N.Y. Education Law Section 6609
Requirements for a license as a dental hygienist

To qualify for a license as a dental hygienist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

(1)

Application: file an application with the department;

(2)

Education: have received an education, including high school graduation and completion of a program in dental hygiene, in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations;

(3)

Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations;

(4)

Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations;

(5)

Age: be at least seventeen years of age;

(6)

Citizenship or immigration status: be a United States citizen or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; provided, however, that the board of regents may grant a three year waiver for a noncitizen to practice in an area which has been designated a federal dental health professions shortage area, except that the board of regents may grant an additional extension not to exceed six years to a noncitizen to enable him or her to secure citizenship or permanent resident status, provided such status is being actively pursued;

(7)

Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and

(8)

Fees: pay a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license, a fee of fifty dollars for each reexamination, a fee of seventy dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, and a fee of fifty dollars for each triennial registration period.

Source: Section 6609 — Requirements for a license as a dental hygienist, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/EDN/6609 (updated Dec. 16, 2022; accessed Dec. 6, 2025).

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Verified:
Dec. 6, 2025

Last modified:
Dec. 16, 2022

§ 6609. Requirements for a license as a dental hygienist's source at nysenate​.gov

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