Dental Hygienist License in Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination. The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry oversees dental hygienist licensing. CE is required for annual license renewal, typically 16 hours per year. Oklahoma law defines dental hygienist scope of practice to include scaling, root planing, prophylaxis, sealant application, fluoride treatments, and patient education under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Oklahoma has dental hygiene programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Rose State College, and Tulsa Community College. The state faces significant oral health challenges, ranking among the states with the highest rates of untreated dental decay and tooth loss. Native American tribal health organizations, including those serving the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole nations, are significant employers of dental hygienists and provide essential oral health services to tribal members throughout the state. Rural Oklahoma, particularly western and southeastern regions, experiences acute shortages of dental professionals that create strong demand for hygienists willing to serve these communities.