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

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Indiana

Indiana's dental hygiene workforce serves a diverse mix of urban markets, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and large rural areas where dental access remains a challenge. Licensure through the Indiana State Board of Dentistry is a manageable process for new graduates, and the state's expanded-scope provisions give motivated hygienists pathways to broader clinical practice.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

You must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Indiana's options include Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indianapolis), Ivy Tech Community College (multiple campuses), University of Southern Indiana, and Indiana State University. Most entry-level programs are two-year AAS degrees; IU also offers a BS in Dental Hygiene for those pursuing public health or academic careers.

Accredited programs cover periodontal instrumentation, dental radiography, pharmacology, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide administration, all of which are relevant given Indiana's expanded scope provisions for hygienists.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE

The NBDHE is required for all Indiana RDH applicants. The 350-question examination is administered by the JCNDE and costs approximately $450. Passing scores must be transmitted directly from JCNDE to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry, the Board does not accept applicant-submitted score documentation.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination

Indiana accepts clinical examination scores from both:

• CRDTS, Central Regional Dental Testing Service
• ADEX, American Board of Dental Examiners Dental Hygiene Exam

Both exams include live-patient periodontal assessment, scaling and root planing, patient education, and radiographic components. Reserve your testing date early, seat availability at Midwest testing sites can be limited, particularly in the fall semester when graduating cohorts are competing for the same dates.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

The Indiana State Board of Dentistry processes all RDH applications. Submit through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) portal at pla.in.gov:

1. Completed application form
2. Passing NBDHE score (transmitted by JCNDE)
3. Passing clinical exam score (CRDTS or ADEX, transmitted by testing agency)
4. Official dental hygiene program transcript
5. Application fee of approximately $50-$75
6. Current CPR/BLS certification

Indiana allows dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia, but only after completing additional Board-approved training for each modality. A Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia permit and a Local Anesthesia permit are available as separate credential endorsements. These expanded-scope permits significantly broaden your clinical value and are increasingly expected at high-production private practices.

Continuing Education Requirements

Indiana RDHs must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no mandatory topic requirement beyond general dental hygiene content, though infection control and opioid prescribing awareness courses are widely recommended by the Board. CE may be completed online or in person from approved providers, including:

• Indiana Dental Hygienists' Association continuing education events
• ADHA national and regional symposia
• ADA CERP- or AGD PACE-approved online courses

Keep your CE certificates, Indiana audits licensees at renewal and requires documentation of compliance.

Indiana Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Indiana's cost of living allows hygienist compensation to deliver solid purchasing power:

Hygienists who hold both the local anesthesia and nitrous oxide permits typically command a $3,000-$7,000 premium over colleagues without expanded-scope credentials.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Indiana

• Aspen Dental, strong presence in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend
• Heartland Dental, supported practices throughout central and southern Indiana
• Indiana University Health, integrated dental services across the IU Health system
• HealthNet, Indianapolis-based FQHC with dental clinics, NHSC loan repayment eligible
• Eskenazi Health, safety-net hospital system in Indianapolis with dental integration
• Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, federal employment, full benefits, Indianapolis
• Community Health Network, growing multispecialty system with dental access programs
• Private solo and group practices, the majority of Indiana hygienists work in small private offices spread across suburban Indianapolis, Bloomington, Muncie, and smaller rural communities