DENTAL HYGIENIST License in New Jersey

New Jersey requires dental hygienist applicants to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination, typically the CDCA. The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, under the Division of Consumer Affairs within the Department of Law and Public Safety, oversees dental hygienist licensing. CE is required for biennial renewal, typically 20 hours per renewal period including mandatory training in topics designated by the board. New Jersey has established provisions for registered dental hygienists to provide certain preventive services in institutional settings such as nursing homes, schools, and group homes under general supervision. The state has CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs at Rutgers University, Camden County College, Bergen Community College, Eastern International College, and other institutions. New Jersey's dense population and affluent suburban communities create a strong job market for dental hygienists, though employment competition is significant in the northern New Jersey and central corridor areas. The state requires current CPR certification as part of license renewal. Urban centers including Newark, Camden, and Trenton have dental access disparities that create demand for community-based hygienists.