Registered Dental Hygienist - Extended Functions (RDHEF) License in California

California's dental hygienist licensing is overseen by the Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC), a separate regulatory body from the Dental Board. The COS data specifically references the Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions (RDHEF) category with a $300 biennial renewal fee. California offers multiple tiers of dental hygiene licensure: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), RDH in Alternative Practice (RDHAP), and RDHEF, each with increasing scope of practice and requirements. The RDHAP designation allows hygienists to practice independently in underserved settings such as residential care facilities, homebound patients, and community health clinics without direct dentist supervision. California requires its own clinical examination and a law and ethics exam in addition to the NBDHE. As the largest dental market in the nation, California has numerous CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs at institutions including USC, West Los Angeles College, Chabot College, and Sacramento City College. The state's high cost of living is offset by some of the highest dental hygienist salaries nationally, averaging over $100,000 annually. California's diverse population and emphasis on preventive care make it a dynamic and competitive environment for dental hygiene practice.