How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in Washington DC (2026)

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Washington DC Washington DC presents a unique licensure environment: it is a federal district rather than a state, with its own licensing board and regulatory structure, and it is physically surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. Many DC-based dental hygienists hold licenses in all three jurisdictions to maximize employment options in the National Capital Region. DC's concentration of federal government agencies, embassies, and major healthcare systems creates specialized dental hygiene employment opportunities found nowhere else in the country. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program DC licensure requires graduation from a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-accredited dental hygiene program. Because DC has limited in-district dental hygiene programs, most applicants complete their training at programs in Maryland (University of Maryland, Community College of Baltimore County, or others) or Virginia (Northern Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University, or others). Confirm current CODA accreditation status with the program before enrolling. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) A passing NBDHE score is required for DC licensure. The exam consists of 350 computer-based questions in dental hygiene sciences, biomedical sciences, and patient case studies, administered at Pearson VUE centers through the JCNDE for approximately $450. Complete the NBDHE before or shortly after graduation from your dental hygiene program. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination DC accepts a clinical examination as part of its licensure requirements. Confirm the specific accepted clinical examinations with **DC Health HRLA (Health Regulation and Licensing Administration)** — the Dental Hygienist licensing section — before scheduling, as accepted examination bodies may be updated by regulation. ADEX/CSCE is among the most widely accepted clinical examinations in the Mid-Atlantic region and is a common choice for National Capital Region applicants. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your application through **DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA)**, Dental Hygienist licensing section. Application fees typically range from **$100 to $150**. Required documentation includes: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited program - NBDHE passing score verification - Clinical examination passing score verification - Criminal background check (DC uses a fingerprint-based system) - Current CPR/BLS certification - Completed DC application and fee payment DC Health maintains an online portal for licensing applications. Processing times can vary; apply early relative to your intended start date. DC also offers endorsement pathways for RDHs currently licensed in other states or in Maryland and Virginia. ### Continuing Education Requirements DC dental hygienists must complete **25 hours of continuing education every two years** for license renewal. DC's proximity to major dental and healthcare institutions — Georgetown University School of Medicine, Howard University College of Dentistry, MedStar Health — provides robust local CE access. Verify mandatory CE topic requirements with DC Health, as DC may require specific topics such as HIV/AIDS awareness, domestic violence recognition, or cultural competency that are mandated for all DC healthcare licensees. Maintain all CE certificates for renewal documentation. ### Washington DC Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Washington DC dental hygienists typically earn between **$72,000 and $105,000 annually**, reflecting the area's very high cost of living and competitive professional labor market. Federal dental clinic positions (VA, military, Indian Health Service) offer additional benefits that substantially increase total compensation value. DC's proximity to Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland creates a regional salary band; many hygienists optimize their income by holding multiple state licenses and working flexibly across the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Washington DC **Federal government dental clinics:** The DC area has an extraordinary concentration of federal dental clinics. The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the DC VA Medical Center, the US Capitol physician's office, and dental facilities serving DoD and federal civilian employees all employ dental hygienists as federal civil servants with GS pay scales, full benefits, and retirement. **Howard University College of Dentistry:** Howard's dental school operates extensive patient care clinics and employs dental hygienists in both clinical and instructional roles. **MedStar Health:** MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and other MedStar sites maintain oral health programs that include dental hygiene services. **Unity Health Care:** One of DC's largest FQHCs, Unity Health Care operates dental programs across multiple DC sites serving uninsured and low-income residents. NHSC loan repayment designation is available. **Private and group dental practices:** Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and the broader DC metro core host a dense concentration of private dental practices serving the professional class, diplomatic community, and federal workforce. **Dental service organizations:** Aspen Dental and other DSOs have a presence in the DC metro, primarily in suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia locations accessible to DC-licensed hygienists.