Pathway to Licensure
In general, Oregon Tech's online BS in Dental Hygiene does not provide a direct pathway to state licensure as a dental hygienist. Our online degree requires all applicants have passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and be eligible for state licensure in their state.
As part of an an ongoing project, we are researching each state's licensure requirements. If you do not see your state's license information yet, please check that licensing board for more information. This page only references eligibility for our online degree completion program and is not related to our campus-based program.
| State | Information | Reviewed |
| Alabama | Alabama's licensure requirements fall under two categories: license by national regional exam and license by credentials. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists requires passage of the NBDHE prior to joining the program. Oregon Tech's online program does not qualify you for Alabama licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 12/18/23 |
| Alaska | Alaska's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional or state board exam, and completion of a CODA accredited program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Alaska licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 12/18/23 |
| Arizona | Arizona's dental hygiene license requirements fall under two main categories: license by examination (passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a state or regional exam) or license by credential (hold a license in another state, or other country). Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Arizona licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 12/18/23 |
| California | California has several licensure pathways. Pathways include sending proof of passing a national or regional board exam, and completion of a dental hygiene education program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for California licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 12/18/23 |
| Colorado | Colorado's dental hygiene license requirements include passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, among other requirements. Oregon Tech's online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 4/23/24 |
| Florida | Florida's Board of Dentistry's license requirements include a passing score on the National Board Dental Examination or the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam. Oregon Tech's online program also includes a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination prior to program acceptance; this online degree does not qualify you for a dental hygiene license in Florida. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 4/23/24 |
| Idaho | Idaho's dental hygiene license pathway for new hygienists includes a passing score on the NBDHE examination. Oregon Tech's online degree program is not a pathway to licensure since we also require a passing score on the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 4/23/24 |
| Ohio | Ohio's Dental Board allows applicants who've passed the National or Regional board exams. Oregon Tech's online program does not prepare you for the regional board exams and we only accept students to the online program who've passed the National board exam (NBDHE). This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 4/23/24 |
| Oregon | Dental Hygienists seeking licensure in Oregon must have passed the NBDHE or other board exam. Oregon Tech's Online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs. | 12/18/23 |