How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in Alabama (2026)

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alabama Alabama's dental hygiene profession is regulated by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners, and the path to licensure follows a clear sequence: accredited education, national board exam, clinical exam, and state application. Rural communities across Alabama have strong and growing demand for licensed RDHs, making this an excellent time to enter the field. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program You must graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Most programs award an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene and take approximately two years to complete. Some programs offer a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH), which opens doors to public health, education, and management roles. Alabama institutions with CODA-accredited programs include the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wallace State Community College, and others. Verify current CODA accreditation status directly with the institution before enrolling, as accreditation status can change. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is required for licensure in Alabama. The exam consists of 350 computer-based questions covering dental hygiene sciences, case studies, and biomedical sciences. It is administered through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The examination fee is approximately $450. Most candidates sit for the NBDHE in their final semester of dental hygiene school or shortly after graduation. A passing score is required before you can apply for clinical examination eligibility. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination Alabama accepts both the ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE) and the CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service) clinical examinations. These exams evaluate your competency in patient assessment, periodontal instrumentation, radiographic technique, and infection control protocols. The ADEX/CSCE is administered at multiple sites nationally; CRDTS testing is common throughout the South and Midwest. Check with the Alabama Board for any updates to accepted examination bodies, as this list can be amended by rule. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your application to the **Alabama Board of Dental Examiners**. Application fees typically range from $100 to $150. You will need to provide: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program - Proof of passing NBDHE scores - Proof of passing clinical examination scores - A completed criminal background check (fingerprint-based) - Current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross - Completed application form and fee payment Processing time varies; submit your complete application package early to avoid delays in your start date. ### Continuing Education Requirements Alabama RDH licensees must complete **15 hours of continuing education every two years** to renew their license. CE topics can include infection control, HIPAA compliance, pharmacology, and clinical updates. The Board may designate specific mandatory topics; always verify current CE requirements on the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners website before your renewal deadline. Approved CE providers include the Alabama Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA component), dental schools, and many national CE platforms. ### Alabama Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Alabama dental hygienists typically earn between **$58,000 and $88,000 annually**, with variation by practice setting, geographic area, and experience level. Hygienists in the Birmingham and Huntsville metro areas generally command higher wages. Rural positions may include location-based premiums to attract candidates to underserved communities. Private dental practices remain the most common employer, though dental service organizations (DSOs) like Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental are expanding their Alabama presence. Hospital-based dentistry and public health clinics offer competitive salaries with government benefits packages. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Alabama **Dental service organizations (DSOs):** Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, Smile Brands, and Pacific Dental Services operate multiple Alabama locations and hire RDHs with structured benefit packages and defined scheduling. **Hospital and academic health systems:** UAB Medicine and DCH Health System maintain dental departments where RDHs may work alongside oral surgery and maxillofacial teams. **Public health and FQHCs:** Federally Qualified Health Centers across Alabama provide dental hygiene services to underserved populations. These positions often carry loan repayment eligibility through NHSC programs. **Veterans Affairs clinics:** The Birmingham VA Medical Center and other VA outpatient clinics employ dental hygienists as federal employees with full benefits, retirement, and job stability. **Private practices:** Independent and group private dental practices remain the largest employer segment in Alabama, offering flexible scheduling, production bonuses, and direct patient relationships.