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

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Arkansas Arkansas has a significant and well-documented oral health workforce challenge, with many counties designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). This makes dental hygienist licensure in Arkansas particularly impactful — licensed RDHs who practice in underserved areas may qualify for federal loan repayment programs while building a meaningful career. The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners governs RDH licensure in the state. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Licensure in Arkansas requires graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Arkansas has CODA-accredited programs at institutions including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Health Professions and Arkansas State University (ASU) — check each program's current accreditation status directly with CODA. Most programs confer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene. A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) is available and beneficial if you plan to move into education, public health, or administrative roles. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) All Arkansas dental hygienist applicants must hold a passing NBDHE score. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is a 350-question computer-based exam covering biomedical sciences, dental hygiene sciences, and clinical case studies. It is administered at Pearson VUE test centers nationwide through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The exam fee is approximately $450. Most candidates sit for the NBDHE in their final semester of dental hygiene school. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination Arkansas accepts both the **ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE)** and the **CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service)** clinical examinations. Both are patient-based examinations evaluating clinical skills in areas including periodontal instrumentation, patient assessment, medical history review, and radiography. CRDTS is particularly popular in Arkansas and neighboring Southern and Midwestern states, offering multiple testing dates and sites throughout the region. Verify accepted clinical examinations with the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners prior to scheduling, as board policy may be updated. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your application to the **Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners**. Application fees typically range from **$50 to $75**, among the lowest in the country. Required materials include: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program - NBDHE passing score documentation - ADEX or CRDTS passing score documentation - Criminal background check - Current CPR/BLS certification - Completed application form and fee payment Arkansas has a relatively streamlined application process. Contact the Board directly for current processing times and any supplemental requirements. ### Continuing Education Requirements Arkansas dental hygienists must complete **15 hours of continuing education every two years** for license renewal. This is one of the lower CE requirements nationally, making renewal straightforward for busy practitioners. Acceptable CE topics include infection control, pharmacology, oral cancer screening, and clinical technique updates. Approved CE may be taken through the Arkansas Dental Hygienists' Association, dental schools, and national platforms. Maintain your CE certificates in case the Board conducts a renewal audit. ### Arkansas Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Arkansas dental hygienists typically earn between **$55,000 and $82,000 annually**. Wages are lower than the national average, reflecting the state's cost of living, but rural practice premiums and federal loan repayment can significantly improve total compensation packages. Little Rock and Fayetteville/Bentonville offer the highest wages in the state. RDHs working in NHSC-approved sites in rural dental shortage areas may qualify for loan repayment of $25,000–$50,000 or more over a two-year service commitment. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Arkansas **Dental service organizations (DSOs):** Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, and other regional DSOs have expanded their Arkansas presence, particularly in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith. DSOs typically offer benefits and stable scheduling. **UAMS and academic medical centers:** The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences operates dental clinics in Little Rock and maintains community outreach programs that employ dental hygienists. **Federally Qualified Health Centers:** FQHCs across Arkansas serve rural and medically underserved populations and often carry NHSC loan repayment designation for dental hygienists. **Community health centers:** Arkansas Community Health Centers statewide provide dental hygiene services and are often located in areas qualifying for workforce incentive programs. **Private dental practices:** Independent practices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Fort Smith are the dominant employer segment for Arkansas RDHs and offer diverse scheduling and practice models.