Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I renew/obtain my license to practice Dental Hygiene in the state of Ohio?
A. Ohio Dental Hygiene licensure is not a function of The Ohio Dental Hygienists' Association. Licensure is overseen by the Ohio State Dental Board. Please visit their website for information.

You may phone the Board office at (614) 466-2580
FAX us at (614) 752-8995
or write to:

Harry Kamdar
Executive Director
Riffe Center
77 S. High Street, 17th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6135
E-mail: dental.board@den.state.oh.us

Q. Why should I become a member?
A. Besides tangible benefits such as continuing education discounts and free journal subscriptions, membership in your professional association also offers many non-tangible benefits like professional growth and networking. For more information on member benefits visit the member benefits page.

Q. How do I become a member?
A. The organization is a tripartite, meaning to be member of ODHA you must also join ADHA and your local component. You may apply on line at members.adha.org or contact your component trustee, ODHA membership chair, or ODHA administrative assistant *.

Q. How much is ODHA membership?
A. Dues for ADHA are $228 per year. ODHA dues are $80 yearly. Component dues vary. You can find your component code and dues amount on the components page.

Q. What is my members only code?
A. Contact your component trustee, ODHA membership chair, or ODHA administrative assistant *. Have your membership number ready so your status can be verified.

Q. Where can I find out about continuing education courses?
A. Some of this information will be on the calendar on the website. Inquiries for other courses can be made to the ODHA administrative assistant or local trustee*.

Q. How many continuing education hours do I need in Ohio?
A. To maintain an Ohio dental hygiene license you must accumulate twenty-four continuing education hours each biennium (every two years) and have current CPR certification. For more information visit the Ohio State Dental Board at http://www.dental.ohio.gov/conted.stm.

Q. Do I need CPR?
A. All Ohio dental hygienists must be certified in CPR by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute, at the time of license renewal. Also for a dental hygienist in Ohio to practice when the dentist is not physically present, the hygienist must be currently certified in CPR by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute. Refer to Dental Practice Act, section 4715.251 Completion of basic life-support training course. http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4715.251

Q. Can dental assistants polish teeth?
A. Yes, Certified Dental Assistants may perform coronal polishing with board approved training and certification. To read more about dental assistant coronal polishing see Revised Code 4715-10-01 found on page 36 of 2005 OSDB Law and Rules Revised Code 4715-10-01. Visit the Ohio State Dental Board at: http://www.dental.ohio.gov/laws.stm to find out policies and rules.

Q. Can a dental hygienist bleach patient's teeth?
A. Yes a licensed dental hygienist can perform bleaching of teeth under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. This duty includes standard and light-cured power gel but not laser bleaching.

Q. What duties are Ohio dental hygienists allowed to perform?
A. Visit the Ohio State Dental Board at: http://www.dental.ohio.gov/laws.stm to find out policies and rules regarding dental hygiene practice.

*To find your local trustee go to the components page. To contact the administrative assistant email Lainey Foster, RDH at Admin@odha.net.