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

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Illinois Illinois is home to one of the largest dental hygiene markets in the Midwest, anchored by the Chicago metro area's enormous concentration of dental practices, hospital systems, and FQHCs. The state's licensure process runs through a single agency — and once you know the steps, the path is straightforward. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Illinois requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. The state hosts multiple strong programs, including those at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), City Colleges of Chicago, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Illinois Central College. Entry-level programs are typically two-year Associate of Applied Science degrees; UIC also offers a BS completion path for licensed hygienists. Coursework must include clinical practice, dental radiography, periodontics, pharmacology, and nutrition. Programs affiliated with FQHC and community health clinic systems provide exposure to the underserved-population settings where Illinois has significant dental access gaps outside the Chicago metro. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE All Illinois RDH applicants must pass the NBDHE, the 350-question national board examination administered by the JCNDE. The fee is approximately **$450**. IDFPR requires official score verification directly from the JCNDE — unofficial transcripts or printouts are not accepted. There is no state-specific written examination in addition to the NBDHE. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination Illinois accepts the **ADEX** (American Board of Dental Examiners) dental hygiene clinical examination. ADEX evaluates live-patient periodontal assessment, instrumentation, radiographs, and patient education components. Scores must be reported directly to IDFPR; applicants cannot self-report clinical exam results. Illinois does not currently accept CRDTS scores. Plan your testing location accordingly — ADEX testing sites operate at dental schools throughout the Midwest. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License The **Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR)** issues RDH licenses. Submit your application through the IDFPR online portal (idfpr.illinois.gov) with: 1. Completed online application 2. NBDHE passing score verification (submitted by JCNDE) 3. ADEX passing score verification (submitted by ADEX) 4. Official dental hygiene program transcript 5. Application fee of approximately **$50–$75** 6. CPR certification at BLS/Healthcare Provider level IDFPR does not currently require a separate Illinois jurisprudence exam for dental hygienists, but a working knowledge of the Illinois Dental Practice Act is expected. Processing times vary seasonally — plan for four to ten weeks after a complete application is submitted. One notable feature of Illinois RDH scope: a separate **Local Anesthesia (LOA) permit** is available to hygienists who complete an approved anesthesia course and pass an additional competency examination. The LOA permit expands your clinical scope and typically commands a pay premium in private practice settings. ### Continuing Education Requirements Illinois operates on a **three-year renewal cycle** — less common than the two-year cycle used by most states. RDHs must complete **36 hours of continuing education per three-year cycle**. Required topics include: - Sexual harassment prevention training (mandatory, 1 hour) - Implicit bias training (mandatory, beginning with the 2027 cycle for many licensees) - Infection control The three-year cycle means more flexibility in spreading out coursework, but it is easy to lose track. Illinois audits CE compliance at renewal, and failure to document 36 hours results in license non-renewal. Track hours annually rather than scrambling in year three. ### Illinois Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Illinois hygienists, especially those in the Chicago metro, earn above the national median: | Setting | Typical Annual Range | |---|---| | Private practice (Chicago metro) | $72,000 – $95,000 | | Private practice (downstate Illinois) | $60,000 – $78,000 | | Corporate DSO (Aspen, Heartland) | $64,000 – $84,000 | | FQHC / community health | $60,000 – $76,000 | | Hospital / academic medical center | $65,000 – $82,000 | Chicago's competitive labor market means signing bonuses and production incentives are common at both private and corporate practices. Hygienists with the LOA permit typically add $3,000–$6,000 to their annual earnings through expanded service capacity. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Illinois - **Aspen Dental** — extensive network throughout Chicagoland and downstate markets - **Heartland Dental** — one of the largest DSO footprints in the state - **Northwestern Medicine** — hospital-based dental clinics in the Chicago metro - **Mile Square Health Center** — FQHC with multiple locations in Chicago, NHSC loan repayment eligible - **Erie Family Health Centers** — Chicago-based FQHC system with dental integration - **University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry** — faculty and clinical staff positions - **Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown Medical Center (Chicago)** — federal benefits, stable scheduling - **Private solo and group practices** — the majority of Illinois hygienists practice in community-based private offices across the Chicago suburbs and secondary markets like Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield