Dental Hygientist License in Louisiana

Louisiana did not return a match for dental hygienist in the COS database, so licensing details are based on general knowledge of Louisiana dental regulations. The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry oversees dental hygienist licensing. Applicants are generally required to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination accepted by the board. Louisiana has dental hygiene programs at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Southern University at Shreveport. CE is required for annual license renewal, typically 12 hours per year. Louisiana's unique parish system and culturally diverse population create varying dental care needs across the state. Rural parishes, particularly in northern Louisiana and the Acadiana region, face dental professional shortages. Louisiana law requires dental hygienists to work under the direct or general supervision of a licensed dentist for most clinical services. The state's Gulf Coast economy and vibrant metropolitan areas of New Orleans and Baton Rouge provide a competitive dental market. Louisiana has been working to expand dental access through teledentistry and community-based preventive programs.