Dental Hygienist License in South Carolina

South Carolina requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination. The South Carolina State Board of Dentistry oversees dental hygienist licensing. CE is required for biennial renewal, typically 16 hours per two-year period. South Carolina has historically accepted the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) clinical examination. The state has expanded dental hygiene practice to allow services in public health settings under general supervision, helping to address oral health disparities in rural communities where access to dental offices is limited. CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs are offered at Greenville Technical College, Midlands Technical College, Trident Technical College, Florence-Darlington Technical College, and York Technical College, providing geographic distribution of educational opportunities across the state. South Carolina's coastal growth areas around Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head create increased demand driven by population influx and tourism, while the rural Pee Dee and upstate regions face persistent dental workforce shortages. The state requires dental hygienists to practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist for most clinical services.