HowToGetLicensed

Dental Hygienist License: California vs New York

Thinking about getting your dental hygienist license? Here's how California and New York compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.

Requirement California New York
Education Hours 0 hours 2400 hours
Exam NBDHE + Clinical Licensing Examination + California Law and Ethics Exam NBDHE + CDCA Clinical Examination
Application Fee $100 $143
Exam Fee $1,750 $1,290
Total Estimated Cost $20,000 - $25,000 $41,500 - $42,500
Renewal Period Every 2 years Every 3 years
CE Hours 25 hours 24 hours
Renewal Fee $300 $50

Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?

Lower cost: California is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $20,000-$25,000 compared to $41,500-$42,500.

Fewer education hours: California requires 0 hours of pre-license education, compared to 2400 hours in New York.

Full State Guides

Compare dental hygienist requirements across all 50 states →