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

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Hawaii

Hawaii's island geography creates both unique opportunities and distinct challenges for dental hygienists. Oahu is the primary labor market, but the neighbor islands, Maui, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), Kauai, and Molokai, have significant dental access challenges and chronic workforce shortages. The Hawaii Dental Hygiene Branch, under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) division, oversees RDH licensure for the state.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Hawaii requires graduation from a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-accredited dental hygiene program. The University of Hawaii at Manoa (through the UH Dental Hygiene Program) and Kapi'olani Community College offer CODA-accredited programs in Hawaii. Many Hawaii applicants also attend mainland programs, particularly on the West Coast, before returning to practice in Hawaii. Verify CODA accreditation status directly before enrolling.

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

The NBDHE is required for Hawaii dental hygienist licensure. This 350-question, computer-based exam covers dental hygiene and biomedical sciences as well as patient case studies. It is administered at Pearson VUE test centers through the JCNDE for approximately $450. Most candidates complete the NBDHE during or immediately after graduation from their dental hygiene program.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination

Hawaii accepts the ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE) clinical examination. ADEX testing sites are available on the mainland, which is relevant for Hawaii applicants who may complete their dental hygiene education and clinical examination before relocating to Hawaii. Confirm current accepted clinical examinations with the Hawaii DCCA PVL Dental Hygiene Branch prior to scheduling, as board-accepted exam bodies may be updated.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

Submit your application to the Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Dental Hygiene Branch. Application fees typically range from $100 to $150. 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 from AHA or Red Cross
• Completed Hawaii dental hygienist license application and fee payment

Hawaii's DCCA PVL processes applications for all healthcare professions; processing times can vary. Submit a complete and organized application package to minimize delays. Hawaii also offers a licensure by endorsement pathway for RDHs currently licensed in other states who meet the equivalency criteria.

Continuing Education Requirements

Hawaii dental hygienists must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. Acceptable CE topics include infection control, pharmacology, oral cancer screening, and clinical updates. Given Hawaii's geographic isolation, online CE platforms are particularly important for many Hawaii-based hygienists, especially those practicing on neighbor islands with limited access to in-person CE events. Verify any state-mandated CE topics with the DCCA PVL; Hawaii may require specific CE on cultural competency relevant to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander patient populations.

Hawaii Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Hawaii dental hygienists typically earn between $65,000 and $98,000 annually on Oahu, with variation by setting and experience. High cost of living in Hawaii, particularly housing costs, means the real purchasing power of these wages is lower than nominal figures suggest. Neighbor island positions may carry location premiums, as Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island face persistent difficulty recruiting and retaining dental hygiene staff due to limited housing inventory and higher operational costs. Federal and military clinic positions supplement base pay with benefits packages that are particularly valuable in Hawaii's high-cost environment.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Hawaii

Military dental facilities: Hawaii hosts some of the largest US military installations in the Pacific, including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Tripler Army Medical Center. Military dental clinics employ civilian dental hygienists as GS federal employees and also support active-duty dental hygienist officers. These positions offer full federal benefits and are among the most competitive dental hygiene positions in the state.

Hawaii Pacific Health and The Queen's Health Systems: Hawaii's two largest health systems, Hawaii Pacific Health (Pali Momi, Straub, Kapiolani) and The Queen's Health Systems, maintain oral health and dental programs as components of integrated healthcare delivery.

Federally Qualified Health Centers: FQHCs including Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and others serve Native Hawaiian and underserved populations across Oahu and the neighbor islands. NHSC loan repayment may be available for qualifying FQHC positions.

Kokua Kalihi Valley and community health organizations: Community health centers in Honolulu's underserved communities, including Kalihi and Waipahu, provide dental hygiene services and integrate oral health into community health models.

Private dental practices: Honolulu, Kailua, and other Oahu communities host the majority of Hawaii's private dental practices. Neighbor island practices in Kahului (Maui), Kailua-Kona, and Hilo (Hawaii Island) are smaller in number but often offer stronger location-based compensation to attract and retain qualified RDHs.

Veterans Affairs: The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu employs dental hygienists as federal employees with full benefits serving Hawaii's veteran population.