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

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Michigan Michigan's dental hygiene market is anchored by two major metro areas — Detroit and Grand Rapids — with secondary demand in Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, and the Upper Peninsula. The state operates a three-year CE cycle (shared with Illinois and a handful of other states), and its licensure process runs through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Michigan requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. The state has a strong array of options: University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit), Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids), Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Ferris State University (Big Rapids), Delta College (University Center), Oakland Community College, and Mott Community College (Flint), among others. Some programs offer four-year BS degrees in addition to the standard two-year AAS pathway. University of Detroit Mercy and GVSU are particularly well-regarded for clinical training depth and alumni network strength in their respective metro markets. For candidates interested in rural or UP settings, Marquette-area community health clinic partnerships offer unique training exposure. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE All Michigan RDH applicants must pass the NBDHE (350 questions, approximately **$450** fee). The Michigan Board of Dentistry requires official score transmission from JCNDE — no self-submitted scores are accepted. Most Michigan students sit for the NBDHE during their final clinical year. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination Michigan accepts the **ADEX** (American Board of Dental Examiners) dental hygiene clinical examination. ADEX tests live-patient periodontal assessment, scaling and root planing, radiographic technique, and patient education. Testing sites operate at dental schools throughout the Midwest. Michigan does not accept CRDTS scores for initial licensure. Confirm current accepted examination formats at the Michigan LARA website before scheduling, as policy can change between exam cycles. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License The **Michigan Board of Dentistry** under LARA processes all RDH license applications. Submit through the LARA online licensing portal at michigan.gov/lara: 1. Completed online application 2. NBDHE passing score (transmitted by JCNDE) 3. ADEX passing score (transmitted by ADEX) 4. Official dental hygiene program transcript 5. Application fee of approximately **$100–$150** 6. Current CPR/BLS certification 7. Criminal history disclosure (Michigan requires a criminal background check) Michigan requires completion of a **Michigan Dental Jurisprudence Examination** covering the Michigan Public Health Code, Michigan Dental Practice Act, and administrative rules governing dental hygiene practice. This examination is taken through a Board-approved online provider and must be passed before the initial license is issued. Allow at least one to two weeks to study the Michigan Dental Practice Act before scheduling the jurisprudence exam. ### Continuing Education Requirements Michigan operates on a **three-year license renewal cycle**, and RDHs must complete **36 hours of continuing education per three-year cycle** — the same total as Illinois, spread over the same three-year window. Required topics include: - Pain and symptom management (including opioid prescribing awareness) - Implicit bias training (2 hours, effective recent legislative change) The three-year cycle provides flexibility in spreading courses over time, but hygienists should plan at least 12 hours per year to avoid a last-minute compliance scramble. The Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association annual conference typically delivers a concentrated block of approved hours. Online CE from ADA CERP- and AGD PACE-accredited providers is fully accepted. Keep documentation for at least five years. ### Michigan Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Michigan wages are competitive for the Midwest, with meaningful variation between metro and rural markets: | Setting | Typical Annual Range | |---|---| | Private practice (Detroit metro) | $64,000 – $88,000 | | Private practice (Grand Rapids) | $62,000 – $84,000 | | Private practice (secondary markets) | $56,000 – $74,000 | | Corporate DSO | $60,000 – $80,000 | | FQHC / community health | $58,000 – $74,000 | | Hospital / academic | $62,000 – $82,000 | Detroit suburban private practices — particularly in Oakland and Macomb Counties — tend to offer production bonuses and flexible scheduling that push total compensation above the base range. Upper Peninsula positions in HPSA-designated areas may qualify for NHSC loan repayment, making rural Michigan financially competitive. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Michigan - **Aspen Dental** — significant presence in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, and Kalamazoo - **Heartland Dental** — supported practices across Metro Detroit and West Michigan - **Henry Ford Health** — integrated dental services within one of Michigan's largest hospital systems - **Detroit Community Health Connection** — Detroit FQHC network, NHSC loan repayment eligible - **Cherry Street Health Services** — Grand Rapids FQHC, multiple dental clinic sites - **John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (Detroit)** — federal employment, full VA benefits - **University of Michigan School of Dentistry** — Ann Arbor, faculty and clinical staff positions - **Private solo and group practices** — the primary employer across Michigan's suburban and secondary markets, including Ann Arbor, Lansing, Traverse City, Marquette, and the Thumb region