Dental Hygienist, Educational Limited (R.D.H.) License in Michigan

Michigan requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination. The Michigan Board of Dentistry, under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), oversees dental hygienist licensing. CE is required for biennial renewal, typically 36 hours per three-year period including specific topics mandated by the board. Michigan has enacted PA 161, a Public Act that allows dental hygienists to provide limited preventive services in public health settings under the supervision of a dentist via a collaborative practice agreement. This has expanded access in schools, community health centers, and long-term care facilities. Michigan has numerous CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs, including those at the University of Michigan, Ferris State University, University of Detroit Mercy, Grand Rapids Community College, and several community colleges. The state's automotive industry legacy historically provided comprehensive dental insurance benefits that supported robust dental service utilization, though economic shifts have altered this dynamic. Detroit's urban core and the Upper Peninsula face acute dental professional shortages that create demand for hygienists.