How to Become a Licensed Registered Hygienist in California

  • RDH Licensure Applications
  • Application for Licensure after the passage of the ADEX Mannequin Examination
    You can apply online at www.breeze.ca.gov or click on the link for the paper application.

    Note: the alternative manikin-based clinical examination may be administered through CRDTS, CDCA/WREB/CITA (ADEX).

    Note: Effective January 01, 2024, Graduation from a California accredited dental hygiene educational program approved by the Board within the preceding 3 years satisfies the requirement for satisfactory performance of the dental hygiene examination given by the Western Regional Examining Board or any other clinical or dental hygiene examination approved by the Board.

    NOTE: A registered dental hygienist applicant must apply for a California dental hygiene license within three (3) years of graduation to waive the clinical examination requirement. Those who apply after three (3) years of graduation must submit a passing score on a Board-approved clinical examination to apply for licensure. Any out-of-state applicant for licensure must provide proof of passage of a Board approved dental hygiene clinical examination unless applying through the Licensure By Credential (LBC) pathway. Any applicant who obtains a license through the pathway in item three (3) above may be required to complete a dental hygiene clinical examination if they relocate to another state or jurisdiction in the future. Be sure to review the chosen state or jurisdiction’s laws and requirements for licensure prior to completing a clinical examination.

  • Licensure by Clinical Exam Application Checklist
  • Licensure By Credential (LBC)
  • Application for Licensure upon passage of the Central Regional Testing Services (CRDTS)
  • Application for Licensure upon passage of the Western Regional Examination Board (WREB)