South Carolina Dental Hygienist Requirements

Dental hygienists play a vital role in dental care, providing essential services to help maintain and improve patient’s overall dental health. This page outlines the requirements to become a dental hygienist in South Carolina, including education requirements, licensing, and continuing education.

To begin your journey as a dental hygienist in South Carolina, you need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program. Ensure that the program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). You must earn an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, though some may opt for a Bachelor’s degree for advanced opportunities. The program typically includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, radiography, periodontology, and patient management.

After graduating from a CODA accredited program, you can now apply to be a hygienist in South Carolina. The licensing process typically includes:

1. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): Pass this comprehensive exam that assesses your knowledge of dental hygiene.
2. Clinical Examination: Successfully complete a clinical exam approved by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry. Common exams include the CITA, CRDTS, SRTA, or WREB.
3. Jurisprudence Examination: Pass the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry’s jurisprudence exam, which tests your understanding of state-specific laws and regulations.
4. CPR Certification: Obtain and maintain current certification in CPR for healthcare providers.
5. Application: Submit a completed licensure application to the South Carolina Board of Dentistry along with the required fees and documentation of your education and examination results.

To maintain an active dental hygienist license in South Carolina, you must complete a minimum of 14 CE credits every two years that are approved by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry. These classes typically cover a variety of topics including patient care, infection control, radiography, and new technologies in dental hygiene.

Becoming a dental hygienist in South Carolina is a rewarding path that offers you the opportunity to make an impact on patients. By following the educational and licensure requirements, and staying committed to continuing education, you can achieve and maintain a successful career in dental hygiene.