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

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Georgia Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the Southeast, and its Atlanta metropolitan area has become a major hub for dental service organizations and multi-specialty dental practices. The Georgia Board of Dentistry regulates dental hygienist licensure and sets consistent standards for education, examination, and ongoing practice. Georgia's combination of urban opportunity and rural dental shortage areas creates diverse career paths for licensed RDHs. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Georgia requires graduation from a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-accredited dental hygiene program. Georgia hosts CODA-accredited programs at institutions including Georgia Highlands College, Columbus Technical College, Armstrong State (now Georgia Southern University), and others. Most programs award an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene over two years; Bachelor's completion options are also available. Verify CODA accreditation status directly before enrolling. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) The NBDHE is required for Georgia dental hygienist licensure. This 350-question, computer-based examination covers dental hygiene sciences, biomedical sciences, and clinical case studies. It is administered at Pearson VUE centers through the JCNDE for approximately $450. Most candidates sit for the NBDHE in their final semester of dental hygiene school. A passing score is a prerequisite for clinical examination eligibility. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination Georgia accepts both the **ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE)** and the **CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service)** clinical examinations. Both are standardized patient-based exams assessing periodontal instrumentation, patient assessment, radiographic technique, and infection control. CRDTS testing dates are widely available in the Southeast region. Confirm current accepted clinical examinations with the Georgia Board of Dentistry before scheduling, as the accepted list may be amended. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your application to the **Georgia Board of Dentistry**. Application fees typically range from **$75 to $100**. Required materials include: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program - NBDHE passing score documentation - ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam passing score documentation - Criminal background check (Georgia Crime Information Center, fingerprint-based) - Current CPR/BLS certification - Completed Georgia dental hygienist application and fee payment Georgia also has a licensure by endorsement pathway for RDHs currently licensed in other states who can demonstrate equivalent examination and education credentials. Contact the Board for current endorsement processing requirements. ### Continuing Education Requirements Georgia dental hygienists must complete **20 hours of continuing education every two years** for license renewal. Acceptable CE topics include infection control, pharmacology, patient communication, and clinical updates. The Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association, dental schools, and national CE platforms are all acceptable CE sources. Maintain documentation of all completed CE for renewal submissions and potential audits. ### Georgia Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Georgia dental hygienists typically earn between **$63,000 and $92,000 annually**. Atlanta metro area practices — particularly in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Dunwoody — pay at the higher end of this range due to competitive demand and high-income patient populations. Savannah and Augusta are mid-range markets. Rural south Georgia communities may have lower baseline wages but may qualify for dental shortage area incentives including NHSC loan repayment. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Georgia **Dental service organizations (DSOs):** The Atlanta metro has one of the highest concentrations of DSO practices in the Southeast. Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, Smile Brands, Dental Care Alliance, and Pacific Dental Services all have significant Atlanta-area footprints. DSOs collectively employ a large portion of Georgia's dental hygienists and are a primary entry point for new graduates. **Emory Healthcare:** Emory University Hospital and the Emory School of Medicine maintain oral health and dental programs that integrate dental hygienists into medical-dental care delivery. **Grady Health System:** Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta operates dental and oral health services for low-income and uninsured patients. NHSC loan repayment may be available for qualifying positions. **Federally Qualified Health Centers:** FQHCs across Georgia — particularly in Atlanta, Augusta, and rural south Georgia — employ dental hygienists with potential NHSC loan repayment and comprehensive benefits. **Veterans Affairs:** The Atlanta VA Medical Center and associated outpatient clinics employ dental hygienists as federal employees with GS pay scale, health insurance, and retirement benefits. **Private dental practices:** Independent and group practices across the Atlanta metro and in mid-size Georgia cities (Macon, Columbus, Augusta, Savannah) represent the largest share of RDH employment in the state.