Dental Hygienist License in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination, typically the CDCA. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry, under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, oversees dental hygienist licensing. CE is required for biennial renewal, with 20 hours per renewal period. Pennsylvania has implemented a public health dental hygiene practitioner (PHDHP) designation that allows qualified hygienists who meet additional experience and education requirements to provide preventive services in approved public health settings with a collaborative agreement rather than direct supervision. The state has numerous CODA-accredited programs at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Harcum College, Community College of Philadelphia, Northampton Community College, and several other colleges. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer robust employment markets with diverse practice settings, while rural central and northern Pennsylvania, particularly the Appalachian and Poconos regions, face persistent dental professional shortages. Pennsylvania's aging population drives increasing demand for dental hygienists in geriatric and long-term care settings.