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

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Delaware

Delaware, despite being the second-smallest state by area, has a strong healthcare ecosystem and a dental hygienist market strongly influenced by the adjacent Philadelphia metropolitan area. Many Delaware dental hygienists hold licenses in multiple states, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, to maximize their employment options in the region. The Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene governs RDH licensure in the state.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Delaware requires graduation from a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-accredited dental hygiene program. Delaware's own CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs are limited, so many Delaware applicants attend programs in neighboring Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey. Programs at institutions like Delaware Technical Community College offer in-state options. Verify CODA accreditation status with the institution before enrolling.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination)

A passing NBDHE score is required for Delaware dental hygienist licensure. This 350-question, computer-based exam covers dental hygiene sciences, biomedical sciences, and patient case studies. It is administered at Pearson VUE test centers nationally through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations with an examination fee of approximately $450. Complete the NBDHE as close to graduation as your program permits.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination

Delaware accepts the ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE) clinical examination. This patient-based assessment evaluates clinical competency in periodontal instrumentation, patient assessment, radiographic skills, and infection control. ADEX is accepted across most of the East Coast, making it the natural choice for hygienists planning to work in Delaware or the neighboring Philadelphia and Baltimore regions. Confirm the Delaware Board's current accepted clinical examination list before scheduling.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

Submit your application to the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, which operates under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. Application fees typically range from $75 to $100. Required materials include:

• Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
• NBDHE passing score verification
• ADEX clinical exam passing score verification
• Criminal background check
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Completed Delaware dental hygienist application and fee payment

Delaware also participates in streamlined endorsement pathways for RDHs currently licensed in other states. Contact the Board for current endorsement requirements and turnaround times.

Continuing Education Requirements

Delaware dental hygienists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. Acceptable CE topics include infection control, HIPAA, pharmacology, and clinical technique updates. CE may be completed through the Delaware Dental Hygienists' Association, dental schools, and approved national online providers. Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia means hygienists have access to CE events hosted by Penn Dental Medicine, Temple Kornberg School of Dentistry, and the Greater Philadelphia Dental Hygienists' Association.

Delaware Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Delaware dental hygienists typically earn between $64,000 and $93,000 annually, with northern Delaware practices near Wilmington commanding the highest wages due to Philadelphia metropolitan area salary influence. The Wilmington metro is home to a concentration of large corporations and professional-class residents who drive dental utilization and support competitive practice-based compensation. Southern Delaware (Dover and the beach communities) is a lower-wage sub-market but has growing demand from a rapidly expanding retiree population.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Delaware

ChristianaCare: Delaware's dominant health system, ChristianaCare operates oral and dental health services in Wilmington and Newark, employing dental hygienists within integrated healthcare delivery.

Nemours Children's Health: Nemours operates pediatric dental services across Wilmington and the greater Delaware Valley, providing specialized dental hygiene employment in a pediatric population.

Federally Qualified Health Centers: Community health centers in Wilmington and southern Delaware serve underserved populations and may offer NHSC loan repayment eligibility for dental hygienists.

Dental service organizations: Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental operate Delaware practices, primarily in Wilmington suburbs and the Dover area.

Private dental practices: Independent and group practices across New Castle County (Wilmington, Newark, Bear, Middletown) and Kent County (Dover) represent the majority of dental hygienist employment in Delaware, with many practices serving populations that commute between Delaware and the Philadelphia metro.