Dental Hygienist License in New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination. The New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners oversees dental hygienist licensing. CE is required for biennial renewal, typically 20 hours per two-year period. New Hampshire has established a public health dental hygienist classification allowing hygienists with appropriate experience and training to provide preventive services in approved public health facilities, including schools, correctional facilities, and community health centers, under the general supervision of a dentist with a written agreement. The state's only CODA-accredited dental hygiene program is at NHTI-Concord's Community College, which produces a limited number of graduates relative to demand. New Hampshire's proximity to the Boston metropolitan area creates cross-border practice considerations, with some hygienists maintaining licenses in both states or commuting across state lines. The state's rural northern regions, particularly the North Country and Lakes Region, experience dental professional shortages that create employment opportunities for dental hygienists willing to serve in scenic but isolated communities.