The USNY Dental Hygienist: A Profession Governed by the University of the State of New York
In the state of New York, the pathway to becoming a licensed dental hygienist is governed by a unique and historic entity: the University of the State of New York (USNY). Often confused with the State University of New York (SUNY), USNY is not a teaching institution but rather the state’s overarching education governance structure. Established in 1784, it encompasses all public and private schools, colleges, and libraries across New York. Within this framework, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and its Office of the Professions serve as the regulatory arm, setting the standards for professional licensure, including for dental hygienists.
Defining the Profession and Scope of Practice
In New York, the profession of dental hygiene is legally defined and regulated under Article 133 of the State Education Law. The practice includes the performance of dental services such as removing calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from the exposed surfaces of teeth. Historically, dental hygienists in the state were required to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. However, a significant development occurred in December 2025 when Governor Hochul signed into law the Dental Hygiene Collaborative Practice Expansion Bill. This legislation established and defined the practice of collaborative practice dental hygiene, allowing hygienists to perform services in collaboration with a licensed dentist, expanding their professional autonomy and access to care. Buy fake certificate online.
The Path to Licensure: Requirements Set by USNY
To qualify for a license as a dental hygienist in New York, applicants must fulfill a series of requirements established by the Board of Regents and the State Education Department, as outlined in Section 6609 of the Education Law. These requirements are comprehensive and include: filing an application; completing a registered or accredited dental hygiene program; passing a board-approved examination; being at least seventeen years of age; and being of good moral character. Applicants must also be a United States citizen or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence, though a waiver may be granted in federally designated dental health professional shortage areas. A fee of one hundred fifteen dollars is required for admission to the department-conducted examination and for an initial license. The examination itself consists of two parts designed to sample knowledge from all areas related to dental hygiene.
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Educational Pathways and Accredited Programs
Prospective dental hygienists must complete an accredited educational program. New York offers several accredited programs at various institutions. For example, the dental hygiene program at New York University College of Dentistry offers both an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Other institutions, such as Hudson Valley Community College and Hostos Community College, also offer CODA-accredited AAS programs. These programs prepare students for the rigorous National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For instance, SUNY Orange’s Dental Hygiene Program reported a 100% pass rate within six months of graduation for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination for the Class of 2022. The successful completion of these programs is a prerequisite for licensure in the state.
Continuing Competence and Professional Development
Once licensed, dental hygienists in New York must maintain their competence through continuing education. Under state law, practicing hygienists are required to complete 24 credit hours of continuing education every three years. At least 14 of those hours must be live programs, allowing for interaction with the instructor. This requirement ensures that professionals stay current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene, infection control, and patient care.
A Growing and Rewarding Profession
The dental hygiene profession in New York is both substantial and rewarding. As of January 2026, there were over 12,500 registered dental hygienists in the state, with the highest concentrations in counties like Suffolk (1,095), Nassau (955), and Queens (984). The profession also offers competitive compensation, with average annual salaries for dental hygienists in New York reported to be around $93,590 to $96,209. This combination of regulatory rigor, educational excellence, and professional opportunity makes the USNY-governed dental hygienist a cornerstone of oral healthcare in New York State.