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Dental Hygienist
License Description

Occupational Description


Dental Hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. Theymay also educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.A licensed Dental Hygienist may perform, under the supervision of a licensed Dentist:. Scaling of teeth, including subgingival regions and root planingwith hand and ultrasonic instruments;. Polishing of all exposed tooth surfaces with motor driven andhand instruments, in the oral prophylaxis procedure;. Chemical Curettage;. All of the duties that any other dentalauxiliary is authorized to perform. Additional information: Dental Hygienists are eligible to apply for expanded scope functions with additional education. Dental Hygienists are also eligible for Expanded Function Permits after 1500 hours of practice as a Dental Hygienist, completion of training program, and successful passage of a clinical exam. See regulations for more details.

Licensure Requirements


A Dental Hygienist license may be granted either by: License by Examination- For those who have passed an acceptable clinical examination within the past five years; -OR- License by Reciprocity- For those who have: 1. Been licensed in another state/jurisdiction; 2. Actively practiced dental hygiene for at least three years (one of those years must be within the last three years). All applicants are also required to successfully complete a jurisprudence examination that relates to the statutes and regulations that govern dentistry, and receive a minimum score of 75%.  Additional available certifications & authorizations: Local Anesthesia Certification- Allows a Dental Hygienist to administer local anesthesia when a supervising licensed Dentist is physically present on the premises.   Public Health Authorization for Treating Children- Allows a Dental Hygienist who holds a permit and has professional liability insurance to do the following give oral prophylaxis to healthy children who do not need antibiotics and apply recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease.  Public Health Authorization for Treating Children & Adults- Allows a Dental Hygienist who holds a permit, has professional liability insurance, and has practiced dental hygiene in a clinical setting for 3,000 hours to do the following: On children: Give oral prophylaxis to healthy children who do not need antibiotics; Apply recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease.       On adults: Oral prophylaxis; Pulp vitality testing; Apply recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease. Expanded Scope Functions: Dental Hygienists can also apply to have the following expanded functions to be added to their dental hygiene license after completing an education course* for each expanded scope function: Interim therapeutic restorations; Write prescriptions for mouth rinses and fluoride products; Monitor administration of titrate nitrous oxide. *Approved courses must be given by a Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene program.

Fees


$110.00, or $27.50 if initial license is obtained within six months prior to the next expiration date.

Renewal


Licenses and Public Health Authorizations are renewed biennially, by March 1 of odd-numbered years.
Licensing Agency
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services
Public Health Licensure Unit
301 Centennial Mall S
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 224 4915
jesse.cushman@nebraska.gov
Active Status Active
Active Military/Veterans A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval
Continuing Education Continuing education required to maintain license
Criminal Record No criminal record prohibitions
Education Degree required
Exam Third-party exam required
License Type Stand-alone license
License Updated 08/09/2023
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