Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association, Inc.

CT RDH License questions:

*All of the following licensing information was found at the Connecticut Department of Public Health's website.  Please visit www.CT.gov for more information regarding dental hygiene licensing.*

• How can I check the current status of my RDH license?

Go to the Connecticut Department of Public Health's website.  This link will bring you to the page.  http://www.dir.ct.gov/dph/Scripts/hlthprof.asp.  You will need to fill out at least two boxes.  In the "license type" box, scroll down and highlight "Dental Hygiene."  Next type your last name in the "last name" box.  When these two steps are completed click the "search" button.  Wait a few seconds and the screen will refresh.  You will see your license number and the date in which it will expire.  If you click on your name that will appear in blue, you will be able to find out a little more information about your license - such as the day it was granted!

• When does my RDH license expire?

Your Connecticut RDH license will expire on the last day of the month in which you were born.  Go to the website listed above to check if you are paid for the current year.  The renewal fee is currently $100.00.  You cannot renew your license online.  The department of public health will send you a renewal form by mail approximately 60 days before your license expires.  This is why it is very important to notify the CT DPH of any address changes.  If you do not renew your license by the deadline, they will send you a final notice 30 days after your license's expiration date.

• I am a registered dental hygienist in another US state.  How do I sign up for my Connecticut dental hygiene license?

If you hold a current, valid license in good standing in another US state, and that state's licensure maintains licensing standards equal to or higher than Connecticut's requirements, the Department of Public Health may issue a dental license by endorsement of an out-of-state license.  Please note that the department will compare the current licensing requirements for CT to those met at the time you were issued your license in the other state.  To obtain a licensure by endorsement, you must forward the current licensure standards of your state to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. (see address below)

Also send the following documents: 

1. A completed, notarized application form with photograph attached and fee of $150.00 in the form of a bank check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut". 
2. A Verification of Licensure Form  must be forwarded to each state or territory in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed.  (Most states charge a fee for completion of the verification form; contact each state or territory for fee information.)
3. Current licensure statutes, regulations and policies submitted directly from the state in which you are currently licensed.

• Graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene program.
• Successfully completed the National Board Examinations. 
• Successfully complete one of the following clinical performance examinations:
  

• North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Inc.
• Southern Regional Testing Agency
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service
  
• Western Regional Examining Board.

If you meet the above requirements, you must then submit the following documentation:

1. A completed application and fee of $150.00 in the form of a certified bank check or money order payable to    "Treasurer, State of CT". 
2. Official transcripts of dental hygienist education, verifying the award of the degree in dental hygiene.
3. Official report of National Board Dental Hygiene Examination scores.
4. Official report of successful completion of a regional board examination as outlined above.
5. Send the documentation to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (see address below)
   

• I am currently a registered dental hygienist in Connecticut.  I'm now moving to another state.  What should I do?

If your Connecticut license that has lapsed due to nonrenewal, provide the following documentation:

• A completed, notarized application with photo and fee in the amount of $150.00 in the form of a bank check or money payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut".
• The applicant's current curriculum vitae (CV) including a synopsis of professional activity since completion of dental school.
• Verification of any out-of-state license held, current or expired, submitted directly to this office from the source.  Please contact the state prior to submitting a request as most states charge a fee for this service.
• Verification from the appropriate authority confirming your most recent employment; including dates and an overall evaluation of your ability to practice dentistry with reasonable skill and safety.  If you are in private practice, a letter from another dentist or physician with whom you have referred patients.  Such letter shall indicate dates of the referral relationship and an evaluation of your ability to practice dentistry with reasonable skill and safety.

• Please note that a dental hygienist who has been out of active, clinical practice of  dental hygiene for a significant period of time is required to complete an approved dental hygienist refresher training program.  Applicants to whom this apply will receive further information from the Department upon receipt of an application.

All supporting documentation should be sent to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Dental Hygienist Licensure

410 Capitol Ave., MS #12 APP

P.O. Box 340308

Hartford, CT 06134

Fax: (860) 509-8457

*Please visit www.CT.gov for more information regarding dental hygiene licensing.