Minnesota Dental Hygienist License 2026: Complete RDH Licensing Guide

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the Midwest's strongest dental markets, anchored by the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro with its dense network of private practices, health systems, and community health centers. Earning your RDH license in Minnesota requires completing an accredited program, passing two national/regional examinations, and submitting your application to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Here is the full path.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

All applicants must graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Minnesota has strong CODA-accredited programs at institutions such as Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Lake Superior College in Duluth, among others.

You may earn either an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (ADDH, typically two years) or a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH, four years). Both satisfy the Minnesota Board of Dentistry's educational requirement. The BSDH is increasingly preferred by employers and is required for most public health and academic roles.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The exam consists of 350 questions — 200 discipline-based and 150 case-based — and covers anatomy, periodontology, pharmacology, patient care, and community dental health.

The examination fee is approximately $450. Most candidates schedule the NBDHE shortly before or after graduation. A passing score is required before Minnesota will issue your license.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination

Minnesota accepts two regional clinical examinations:

• ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners Dental Hygiene Exam) — widely accepted and available through CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments).
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service) — offered at multiple Midwest test sites, making it convenient for Minnesota candidates.

Both exams evaluate live-patient periodontal instrumentation, local anesthesia administration, and dental hygiene radiographic skills. Check each agency's website for current test dates and fees.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

Submit your application to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Required items include:

• Completed application and fee (~$100–$135 for initial licensure)
• Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited program
• NBDHE passing score verification
• Clinical examination passing score verification
• Background check authorization

Minnesota also offers a Local Anesthesia Permit for dental hygienists who complete an approved local anesthesia course and pass the examination. This permit significantly expands your clinical scope and increases your marketability to employers. Apply for the permit concurrently with your initial license if you have completed the training.

Licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) via the Board's online portal.

Continuing Education Requirements

Minnesota requires 24 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. At least 2 of those hours must cover infection control (OSHA/CDCP standards). The remaining hours may be fulfilled through courses in clinical dental hygiene, pharmacology, dental radiology, CPR, or practice management. Approved providers include accredited dental schools, professional associations such as the Minnesota Dental Hygienists' Association (MDHA), and ADA CERP-recognized online providers.

Minnesota Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Dental hygienist compensation in Minnesota is competitive by Midwest standards, driven primarily by the Twin Cities metro.

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $58,000–$68,000/year
• Mid-career (3–7 years): $68,000–$80,000/year
• Experienced (8+ years): $80,000–$95,000/year
• Specialty/public health settings: Up to $100,000+ with additional credentials

Outstate Minnesota (Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud) tends to run 8–12% below metro rates, but the cost of living differential often makes these markets highly attractive on a net basis. Hygienists with local anesthesia permits typically command a premium.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Minnesota

Minnesota's dental hygienist job market is anchored by a mix of private practices, dental service organizations (DSOs), and public health entities:

• Smile Brands and Aspen Dental — large DSO presence in the Twin Cities metro, offering competitive wages and structured benefits.
• Park Dental — one of Minnesota's largest regional private dental groups with dozens of Twin Cities-area locations.
• Hennepin Healthcare / M Health Fairview — health-system dental clinics offering public-sector pay scales and strong benefits.
• Mayo Clinic (Rochester) — limited dental hygiene roles but highly competitive compensation and prestige.
• Community Dental Care — nonprofit FQHC network with locations across the metro, offering loan repayment eligibility for public-health-designated sites.

The Minnesota Department of Health maintains a list of dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) where National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment is available — a valuable benefit for new graduates carrying student debt.