Dental Hygienist License in Connecticut

Connecticut requires dental hygienist applicants to pass a state examination in addition to the NBDHE, making it one of the states with more rigorous examination requirements. The Connecticut State Dental Commission and the Department of Public Health jointly oversee dental hygienist licensing through the Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section. Connecticut has expanded the scope of dental hygiene practice through public health dental hygienist provisions, which allow licensed hygienists to provide preventive services in certain public health settings such as schools and community health centers without prior examination by a dentist. The University of Bridgeport and Tunxis Community College are among the institutions offering CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs in the state. CE is required for license maintenance, with specific hour requirements that include mandatory courses in infection control protocols. Connecticut's proximity to New York City creates cross-border practice dynamics, with some hygienists commuting between states or maintaining dual licensure. The state permits local anesthesia administration with additional training and certification. Connecticut's affluent suburban communities in Fairfield County support a strong private practice market, while urban centers like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport have dental access disparities that public health hygienists help address.