New Interactive Map Designed to Streamline Licensure Guidance for Dental Hygienists

 ADHA and CareQuest Institute partner to launch comprehensive tool consolidating key information to improve navigation of state requirements. 

This week the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health announced the launch of the Dental Hygienist Licensure Map, an interactive resource that provides state-by-state licensure information for dental hygienists across the United States. The tool consolidates previously scattered information into one accessible platform, serving the professional needs of more than 220,000 dental hygienists nationwide. 

The map provides detailed information across multiple licensure categories, including initial licensure requirements, continuing education renewal requirements, licensure by credentials, specialty licensure, and dental hygiene compact states. It also includes scope of practice information and direct links to state licensing boards, making it a 1-stop reference for dental hygienists navigating professional requirements. 

“This interactive map represents a significant advancement in supporting our profession’s mobility and growth,” said Lancette VanGuilder, ADHA president, in a press release Tuesday. “By consolidating essential licensure information into an intuitive, visual format, we’re empowering dental hygienists to make informed decisions about their careers and practice locations.” 

The map replaces multiple resources that previously required dental hygienists to search through various pages and documents to find complete licensure information.

CareQuest Institute sponsored this project to fill a critical gap in the oral health workforce infrastructure with a comprehensive resource for dental hygienists whose role is essential in expanding access to care. 

“Dental hygienists play a critical role in supporting community oral health by delivering preventive care, promoting health education, and serving as accessible, trusted providers—especially in underserved and high-need populations,” added Trenae Simpson, senior director, philanthropy at CareQuest Institute. “Each of these components is essential if we are to reach a point where everyone has the same opportunity to maximize their health through oral health.”

The map aligns with CareQuest Institute’s mission to improve oral health by promoting equity and access through clearer licensure pathways, supporting workforce development by making licensure requirements more transparent and navigable, and enabling policy advocacy through a centralized, data-driven tool.

Key features of the interactive map include: 

• Initial Licensure Information: Entry-level program requirements, accepted clinical exams, and state-specific scope of practice 
• Renewal Requirements: Continuing education requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and special requirements for each state 
• Compact Status Visualization: Clear identification of states participating in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact for professional mobility 
• Direct State Connections: Links to state licensing boards and regulations for the most current official information 
• User-Friendly Interface: Interactive design that makes finding state-specific information quick and easy 

Development of the resource was made possible through a grant from CareQuest Institute, the partners stated. The 6-month project involved consolidating and updating information from multiple existing ADHA resources and external sources, ensuring accuracy across all 50 states, and U.S. territories. 

“ADHA is grateful for CareQuest Institute’s support in making this practical resource available to our profession,” added VanGuilder. “Their partnership enables us to provide dental hygienists with the tools they need to navigate their professional requirements successfully.” 

The map will be updated semiannually with current information, with plans for future enhancements to expand the resource’s capabilities and user experience.

For more information about ADHA’s Dental Hygienist Licensure Map, visit adha.org/licensuremaps.