Dental Hygienist License: California vs Pennsylvania
Thinking about getting your dental hygienist license? Here's how California and Pennsylvania compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.
| Requirement | California | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Education Hours | 2400 hours | 2200 hours |
| Exam | NBDHE + California Clinical Licensing Examination | NBDHE + CDCA Clinical Examination |
| Application Fee | $100 | $45 |
| Exam Fee | $1,190 | $1,290 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $44,500 - $45,500 | $31,500 - $32,500 |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| CE Hours | 25 hours | 20 hours |
| Renewal Fee | $100 | $20 |
Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?
Lower cost: Pennsylvania is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $31,500-$32,500 compared to $44,500-$45,500.
Fewer education hours: Pennsylvania requires 2200 hours of pre-license education, compared to 2400 hours in California.
Full State Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all 50 states →