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

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Connecticut Connecticut is a compact but economically robust state with a strong healthcare sector anchored by Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, and an extensive network of private dental practices. The Connecticut Dental Commission, within the Department of Public Health, regulates dental hygienist licensure. Connecticut has one of the lowest continuing education requirements in the country, making it particularly convenient for practicing hygienists to maintain their licenses. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Connecticut requires graduation from a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-accredited dental hygiene program. Connecticut hosts CODA-accredited programs at institutions including University of Bridgeport, Tunxis Community College, and others. Most programs award an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene; some offer BSDH pathways. Verify current CODA accreditation status before enrolling, as accreditation is subject to periodic review. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) A passing NBDHE score is required for Connecticut licensure. The exam consists of 350 computer-based questions covering biomedical and dental hygiene sciences plus patient case studies, administered via Pearson VUE through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. The fee is approximately $450. Most candidates sit for the NBDHE during their final semester of dental hygiene school. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination Connecticut accepts the **ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE)** clinical examination. This patient-based exam evaluates clinical competency in periodontal instrumentation, patient assessment, medical history, and radiographic technique. ADEX testing sites are available nationally, so you do not need to travel to Connecticut to complete the exam. Confirm current accepted clinical examinations with the Connecticut Dental Commission prior to scheduling. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your completed application to the **Connecticut Dental Commission**. Application fees typically range from **$120 to $175**. Required documentation includes: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program - NBDHE passing score documentation - ADEX clinical exam passing score documentation - Criminal background check - Current CPR/BLS certification from AHA or Red Cross - Completed Connecticut dental hygienist application and fee payment Connecticut's licensing process is managed through the DPH online portal. All documents must be submitted in the required format; incomplete applications cause delays. Connecticut also has a licensure by endorsement process for RDHs currently licensed in other states who meet equivalency criteria. ### Continuing Education Requirements Connecticut dental hygienists must complete only **12 hours of continuing education every two years** — among the lowest CE requirements of any state in the country. This makes license renewal straightforward and affordable for Connecticut-licensed hygienists. Acceptable CE providers include the Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association, dental schools, and approved national platforms. Even with the low required minimum, many Connecticut hygienists voluntarily pursue additional CE to stay current with clinical advances and maintain professional competitiveness. ### Connecticut Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Connecticut dental hygienists typically earn between **$65,000 and $96,000 annually**. Hartford and New Haven area practices pay well, in part because Connecticut's high cost of living and robust insurance market (including Aetna and Cigna, both headquartered in Hartford) sustain higher dental utilization. Greenwich, Westport, Stamford, and other Fairfield County communities near New York City command some of the highest dental hygienist wages in New England due to proximity to the NYC labor market. Public health and FQHC positions in Hartford and Bridgeport offer community impact with potential loan repayment benefits. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Connecticut **Yale New Haven Health:** One of New England's largest health systems, Yale New Haven operates dental services at multiple sites and employs dental hygienists as part of integrated care teams. **Hartford HealthCare:** Hartford HealthCare's network includes oral health and dental access programs serving communities across central Connecticut. **Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC):** One of Connecticut's largest FQHCs with a dedicated dental program across many sites. CHC is a significant employer of dental hygienists with NHSC loan repayment designation. **Dental service organizations:** Aspen Dental and other DSOs operate practices across Connecticut, particularly in mid-sized markets like Waterbury, New Britain, and Meriden. **Private dental practices:** The Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford corridors host dense concentrations of private and group dental practices, representing the majority of RDH employment opportunities in Connecticut.