Requirements for Licensure for Dental Hygienists - OAC 4715-9-03
License Application - ORC 4715.21 One clarification - Diploma/Certificates are not acceptable proof of graduation.
License Required to Practice as Dental Hygienist - ORC 4715.20
Dental Hygiene Examination Limited - OAC 4715-9-02
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items, or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete before submission.
A Dental Hygienist applicant must be a graduate of an accredited school of dental hygiene, and meet one of the following requirements to apply:
I. Provide evidence of successfully passing all components based on a conjunctive scoring method of one of the following regional board examinations: the north east regional board of dental examiners, inc. (NERB), the central regional dental testing service, inc. (CRDTS), the southern regional testing agency, inc. (SRTA), or the western regional examining board (WREB) OR
II. Holds a license in good standing from another state and has actively engaged in the legal and reputable practice of dental hygiene in another state or in the armed forces of the United States, the United States public health service, or the United States department of veterans' affairs for five (5) years immediately preceding application; and
Notification: Once you register and start your online application, you will need to select the application, and then the application type:
Please note the initial dental hygiene license application requirements for Ohio are the same, regardless of the application type.
Examination - If you have taken, and passed an accepted Regional Board examination, regardless of whether you have an out-of-state-license.
Out-of-State - If you have never successfully passed one of the accepted Regional Board examinations, and you currently hold a license in good standing from another state and are actively engaged in the legal and reputable practice of dental hygiene in another state for five (5) years immediately preceding application.
Mailing / Public Address: The address should be the same for both and should be your home address. Only the city and state show up on the public look-up; however, addresses are public record and may be released upon request.
Employment History
Education History - Type "Other" to enter educational institutions that are not found.
Background Questions
Criminal Records Check - Instructions and Information - both BCI and FBI required
Required Uploads:
Identification Photo: Must be an unobstructed, full face identification-type photo (color, forward-facing, head and shoulders only) – NO FILTERS
Proof of Hepatitis B Immunity:
I. Medical documentation confirming the Hepatitis B vaccine was administered as scheduled with full dates. OR
II. Blood titer indicating immunity to the Hepatitis B virus – acceptable titer results are the following: (Reactive; or Positive; or >9.9). OR
III. Traditional Hepatitis B vaccine minimum requirement – medical documentation confirming that the first and second shots were administered (full dates of both), and the third shot (full date) is scheduled on a doctor's letterhead, or script pad, or appointment reminder card, OR
IV. Hepatitis B Waiver Form
Medical Report - Completed by a Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner
Jurisprudence Exam – This is an open book exam over the Ohio Dental Practice Act. You must score a 75% or higher to pass. You will be notified via email if you need to retake the exam.
Dental Practice Act
Jurisprudence Exam Questions
Answer Sheet and Notary Page- It is your responsibility to have this document notarized - the notary must use a visible seal.
Proof of being a Graduate of an Accredited School of Dental Hygiene - the following will be accepted:
I. Transcripts indicating graduation date and degree received, OR
II. Certificate of Dental Hygiene School – signed and sealed after graduation date- seal must be visible and legible, OR
III. A Certification Letter from school signed and sealed after graduation date – seal must be visible and legible
National Board Dental Hygiene Examinations (NBDHE) Score Card
I. You can upload the paper score card, OR
II. A Word.doc requesting to pull your scores online – but the scores must be available online, so please verify. You can contact the JCNDE at 312-440-2678
License Verification(s) – if applicable
You are required to list all the state(s) you have ever held or hold a license to practice. Please contact each State Dental Board to request a certification/verification letter to be sent directly to the Board via e-mail: licensing@den.ohio.gov, OR U.S. Mail: 77 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6135
Valid Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Fee: $184 (Even Year)
$120 (Odd Year)
Please note: It does not matter when your license is first issued, you will be required to renew by December 31st of the odd year. That is why there are two different fees depending on when you apply.
Registration - Notice of Change of Address - ORC 4715.24
Continuing Education - ORC 4715.25
Completion of Basic Life-Support Training Course - ORC 4715.251 One clarification - American Safety & Health Institute has been approved.
Approved CPR Sponsors:
American Red Cross
The American Heart Association
The American safety and Health Institute
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items, or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete
before submission.
Required Uploads:
Proof of completing at least twenty-four hours of continuing dental hygiene education completed during the two-year period immediately
preceding renewal.
CE LOG optional upload
The following dentist and dental hygienist licensees are exempt from meeting CE requirements: (1) Licensees who have graduated from an accredited dental or dental hygiene program during the current biennium ( upload a copy of your diploma); and (2) Licensees who are attending or have attended a - CODA-accredited dental residency or fellowship program or dental hygiene baccalaureate degree completion program during the current biennium (upload one of the following: letter from school, copy of diploma, or transcripts).
Proof of Current CPR Certification by an approved provider.
Valid Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Renewal: $144/ Late Fee- $39.00
Dental Hygienist; Notice of Temporary Retirement – ORC 4715.241
Reinstatement – ORC 4715.242 One clarification – All applications are online through the eLicense portal.
Registration – Notice of Change of Address – Please Review Section (B) – ORC 4715.24 One clarification – The Board no longer “Automatically Suspends” non-renewed licenses, but instead, the status is updated to Inactive/Expired status.
Continuing Education – Please Review Section (B)(2) - ORC 4715.25
Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal or Reinstatement – OAC 4715-8-04
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete before submission.
Mailing / Public Address: The address should be the same for both and should be your home address. Only the city and state show up on the public look-up; however, addresses are public record and may be released upon request.
Employment History
Education History - Type "Other" to enter educational institutions that are not found.
Background Questions
Criminal Records Check - Instructions and Information - both BCI and FBI required
Required Uploads:
Proof of Hepatitis B Immunity:
I. Medical documentation confirming the Hepatitis B vaccine was administered as scheduled with full dates. OR
II. Blood titer indicating immunity to the Hepatitis B virus – acceptable titer results are the following: (Reactive; or Positive; or >9.9). OR
III. Traditional Hepatitis B vaccine minimum requirement – medical documentation confirming that the first and second shots were administered (full dates of both), and the third shot (full date) is scheduled on a doctor's letterhead, or script pad, or appointment reminder card, OR
IV. Hepatitis B Waiver Form
Medical Report - Completed by a Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner
Jurisprudence Exam – This is an open book exam over the Ohio Dental Practice Act. You must score a 75% or higher to pass. You will be notified via email if you need to retake the exam.
Dental Practice Act
Jurisprudence Exam Questions
Answer Sheet and Notary Page- It is your responsibility to have this document notarized - the notary must use a visible seal.
Proof of 24 Hours of Continuing Education
Proof of Current CPR Certification through one of the following: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or the American Safety and Health Institute
License Verification(s) – if applicable
You are required to list all the state(s) you have ever held or hold a license to practice. Please contact each State Dental Board to request a certification/verification letter to be sent directly to the Board via e-mail: licensing@den.ohio.gov, OR U.S. Mail: 77 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6135
Please note - If it has been more than 10 years since you last practiced dental hygiene, you may be asked to take a refresher course.
Approved Courses: Ohio State University, University of Tennessee and Ferris State University
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Fee: $144 (Inactive/Retired Status)
$183 (Inactive/Expired Status)
Reciprocity - Review Second Paragraph - ORC 4715.27
Dental Hygiene Teaching Certificate - OAC 4715-9-04
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete before submission.
Mailing / Public Address: The address should be the same for both and should be your home address. Only the city and state show up on the public look-up; however, addresses are public record and may be released upon request.
Employment History
Education History - Type "Other" to enter educational institutions that are not found.
Background Questions
Criminal Records Check - Instructions and Information - both BCI and FBI required
Required Uploads:
Identification Photo: Must be an unobstructed, full face identification-type photo (color, forward-facing, head and shoulders only) – NO FILTERS
Proof of Hepatitis B Immunity:
I. Medical documentation confirming the Hepatitis B vaccine was administered as scheduled with full dates. OR
II. Blood titer indicating immunity to the Hepatitis B virus – acceptable titer results are the following: (Reactive; or Positive; or >9.9). OR
III. Traditional Hepatitis B vaccine minimum requirement – medical documentation confirming that the first and second shots were administered (full dates of both), and the third shot (full date) is scheduled on a doctor's letterhead, or script pad, or appointment reminder card, OR
IV. Hepatitis B Waiver Form
Medical Report - Completed by a Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner
Jurisprudence Exam – This is an open book exam over the Ohio Dental Practice Act. You must score a 75% or higher to pass. You will be notified via email if you need to retake the exam.
Dental Practice Act
Jurisprudence Exam Questions
Answer Sheet and Notary Page- It is your responsibility to have this document notarized - the notary must use a visible seal.
Proof of being a Graduate of an Accredited School of Dental Hygiene - the following will be accepted:
I. Transcripts indicating graduation date and degree received, OR
II. Certificate of Dental Hygiene School – signed and sealed after graduation date- seal must be visible and legible, OR
III. A Certification Letter from school signed and sealed after graduation date – seal must be visible and legible
Proof of Appointment to the Faculty of the Endorsing Accredited Dental Hygiene School: Certificate of Appointment as Teacher
License Verification(s) – if applicable
You are required to list all the state(s) you have ever held or hold a license to practice. Please contact each State Dental Board to request a certification/verification letter to be sent directly to the Board via e-mail: licensing@den.ohio.gov, OR U.S. Mail: 77 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6135
Valid Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Fee: $75.00 / Renewal $75.00
Application for Oral Health Access Supervision Program Permit; Dental Hygienist – OAC 4715-10-03, and ORC 4715.363
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete before submission.
Mailing / Public Address: The address should be the same for both and should be your home address. Only the city and state show up on the public look-up; however, addresses are public record and may be released upon request.
Employment History
Education History - Type "Other" to enter educational institutions that are not found.
Background Questions
Required Uploads:
Approved 8-hour Oral Health Access Supervision Program (OHASP) Course Certificate of Completion
Approved Permanent Sponsors Medical Emergencies Course Certificate – acquired during the 2 years immediately preceding this application.
Proof of 24 hours of continuing education – acquired during the 2 years immediately preceding this application
Supervising OHASP dentist’s name and permit number
Proof of 1 year and 1500 hours of dental hygiene experience – letter from employer with specific time frame and hours indicated
Valid Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Fee: $25.00
Temporary Dental Volunteer's Certificate - ORC 4715.421
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete before submission.
Mailing / Public Address: The address should be the same for both and should be your home address. Only the city and state show up on the public look-up; however, addresses are public record and may be released upon request.
Employment History
Education History - Type "Other" to enter educational institutions that are not found.
Background Questions
Required Uploads:
Identification Photo: Must be an unobstructed, full face identification-type photo (color, forward-facing, head and shoulders only) – NO FILTERS
Proof of Hepatitis B Immunity:
I. Medical documentation confirming the Hepatitis B vaccine was administered as scheduled with full dates. OR
II. Blood titer indicating immunity to the Hepatitis B virus – acceptable titer results are the following: (Reactive; or Positive; or >9.9). OR
III. Traditional Hepatitis B vaccine minimum requirement – medical documentation confirming that the first and second shots were administered (full dates of both), and the third shot (full date) is scheduled on a doctor's letterhead, or script pad, or appointment reminder card, OR
IV. Hepatitis B Waiver Form
Copy of Degree from Accredited Dental College or Dental Hygiene School
Copy of most recent license to practice Dentistry or Dental Hygiene – Issued by a jurisdiction in the United States or in one or more branches of the United States armed services.
License Verification(s) – if applicable
You are required to list all the state(s) you have ever held or hold a license to practice. Please contact each State Dental Board to request a certification/verification letter to be sent directly to the Board via e-mail: licensing@den.ohio.gov, OR U.S. Mail: 77 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6135
If Renewing: A temporary volunteer’s certificate shall be valid for a period of 7 days and may be renewed upon application and payment of $25.00.
Valid Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Fee: $25.00 / Renewal: $25.00
Volunteer's Certificate - ORC 4715.42
Volunteer's Certificate - OAC 4715-22-01
A Volunteer certificate is issued to RETIRED Dentist or Hygienist to provide free service to indigent and uninsured persons.
Before You Start: Make sure you have the following items or the application will not allow you to advance. All applications must be complete before submission.
Mailing / Public Address: The address should be the same for both and should be your home address. Only the city and state show up on the public look-up; however, addresses are public record and may be released upon request.
Employment History
Education History - Type "Other" to enter educational institutions that are not found.
Background Questions
Required Uploads:
Identification Photo: Must be an unobstructed, full face identification-type photo (color, forward-facing, head and shoulders only) – NO FILTERS
Proof of Hepatitis B Immunity:
I. Medical documentation confirming the Hepatitis B vaccine was administered as scheduled with full dates. OR
II. Blood titer indicating immunity to the Hepatitis B virus – acceptable titer results are the following: (Reactive; or Positive; or >9.9). OR
III. Traditional Hepatitis B vaccine minimum requirement – medical documentation confirming that the first and second shots were administered (full dates of both), and the third shot (full date) is scheduled on a doctor's letterhead, or script pad, or appointment reminder card, OR
IV. Hepatitis B Waiver Form
Copy of Degree from Accredited Dental College or Dental Hygiene School
Copy of most recent license to practice Dentistry or Dental Hygiene – Issued by a jurisdiction in the United States or in one or more branches of the United States armed services.
Proof of maintaining full licensure for at least 10 years prior to retirement – Full licensure in good standing, used by a jurisdiction in the United States or in one or more branches of the United States armed services, by means of a Verification letter(s).
License Verification(s) – if applicable
You are required to list all the state(s) you have ever held or hold a license to practice. Please contact each State Dental Board to request a certification/verification letter to be sent directly to the Board via e-mail: licensing@den.ohio.gov, OR U.S. Mail: 77 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6135
If Renewing: A volunteer’s certificate shall be valid for a period of 3 years and be renewed upon application– no fee.
Eligibility for Renewal – Proof of completion of 60 hours of continuing dental education, or 18 hours of continuing dental hygiene education. The nonprofit shelter or health care facility in which the holder provides dental or dental hygiene services may pay for or reimburse the holder for any costs incurred in obtaining the required continuing education credits.
Valid Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
eLicense Ohio Portal- Apply Online
Fee = Free