Dental Hygienist License in Delaware

Delaware requires dental hygienist applicants to complete specific coursework from an accredited program and pass a third-party clinical examination in addition to the NBDHE. Certain criminal convictions are prohibited for licensure. Delaware offers temporary licenses for military members and spouses until formal approval is granted, reflecting the state's proximity to Dover Air Force Base and other military installations in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, under the Division of Professional Regulation within the Department of State, oversees licensing. Delaware has no dental hygiene school within its borders, meaning all applicants must complete their education in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey. CE is required for biennial license renewal. Delaware's small geographic size but densely populated northern region, centered on the Wilmington metro area as part of the Philadelphia commuter belt, creates concentrated demand for dental hygienists. Southern Delaware's beach communities and resort areas have growing dental service needs driven by retiree migration. The state permits dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia with additional certification and training, expanding the scope of clinical services available in dental practices throughout the state.