Nebraska Dental Hygienist License 2026: Complete RDH Licensing Guide

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Nebraska

Nebraska's dental hygienist job market is driven primarily by the rapidly growing Omaha–Council Bluffs metro and, to a lesser degree, Lincoln and surrounding communities. The state also has significant rural dental shortage areas, creating opportunities for loan repayment through federal and state programs. Here is a complete walkthrough of Nebraska's RDH licensing requirements.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Nebraska requires completion of a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Nebraska's in-state options include Central Community College (Hastings), Northeast Community College (Norfolk), and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry in Lincoln. UNMC offers both the ADDH and pathways toward a BSDH, making it the flagship program for candidates seeking advanced credentials.

Both the Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (two years) and the BSDH satisfy the Nebraska Board of Dentistry's educational requirement.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE

All applicants must pass the 350-question National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) administered by the JCNDE. The exam fee is approximately $450. Preparation resources from ADHA, Dental Decks, and JCNDE's own practice materials are widely used by Nebraska candidates. A passing score is required before submitting your state application.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination

Nebraska accepts the following regional clinical exams:

• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service) — Nebraska is squarely within the CRDTS service region, making this the most common choice for in-state candidates.
• ADEX (CDCA Dental Hygiene Examination) — also accepted for Nebraska licensure.

Both exams evaluate live-patient periodontal instrumentation, dental radiographic technique, and patient assessment. Check current testing schedules and patient eligibility requirements on each agency's website.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

Submit your application to the Nebraska Board of Dentistry (under the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services). Required items include:

• Completed application and fee (~$50–$75 for initial licensure)
• Official CODA-accredited program transcripts
• NBDHE passing score
• Clinical examination passing score
• Background check authorization

Nebraska RDH licenses are renewed every two years. The Board accepts endorsement applications from out-of-state hygienists who meet Nebraska's requirements.

Continuing Education Requirements

Nebraska requires 20 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. Acceptable CE includes courses offered by ADA CERP-recognized providers, the Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association (NDHA), CODA-accredited dental schools, and approved online platforms. CPR/BLS certification is required by most employers and may contribute to CE hour totals depending on course approval. There are no specific mandatory subject areas at the state level beyond the 20-hour total.

Nebraska Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $52,000–$62,000/year
• Mid-career (3–7 years): $62,000–$74,000/year
• Experienced (8+ years): $74,000–$88,000/year

Omaha metro hygienists consistently earn at the top of the Nebraska range. Lincoln follows closely. Rural Nebraska positions — while lower in base pay — often qualify for NHSC or Nebraska loan repayment programs that can add $10,000–$50,000 in effective compensation over a service commitment period.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Nebraska

• Nebraska Medicine / UNMC — academic health system dental clinic positions in Omaha and Lincoln.
• CHI Health (CommonSpirit) — regional health system with dental program linkages across the Omaha–Lincoln corridor.
• OneWorld Community Health Centers — FQHC in Omaha, NHSC-eligible with dental hygiene positions.
• Aspen Dental / Comfort Dental — DSO presence with multiple Omaha-metro locations.
• Private practices statewide — independent practices in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, and Hastings are the dominant employer category.

Nebraska's rural shortage areas — particularly in the Sandhills, Panhandle, and Southeast regions — frequently post dental hygienist openings with loan repayment sweeteners. The Nebraska Office of Rural Health maintains an updated list of shortage-area positions.