Dental Hygienists License in Idaho

Idaho requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination. The Idaho State Board of Dentistry regulates dental hygienist licensing. Idaho has historically accepted the WREB clinical examination, consistent with western states' practices. A background check including fingerprinting is required as part of the licensing process. CE is required for annual license renewal, typically 12 hours per year. Idaho has introduced an Extended Access Dental Hygienist (EADH) designation that allows qualified hygienists to provide preventive care in underserved settings such as schools, nursing homes, and community health centers without direct dentist supervision, addressing significant access disparities in rural communities. Idaho State University in Pocatello and the College of Western Idaho offer CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs. The Boise metro area's rapid population growth has increased demand for dental hygienists significantly in recent years, while rural areas in central and northern Idaho continue to experience persistent shortages of oral health professionals. Idaho's outdoor recreation lifestyle and growing economy attract healthcare workers from across the Pacific Northwest.