Managing the Cost of Dental Hygiene School & Licensure in California Post-Graduation

While in dental hygiene school, you will come across some large costs that you may not have accounted for. Scholarships are a great way to help you pay for expenses that state financial aid/loans will not cover. Some expenses to consider:
  • Board Prep Review - $200-$500+
  • Law & Ethics Exam Application and Exam - $170-$175
  • National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) - $600-$900
  • Clinical/Regional Board Exam (optional in California, but may be required for transfers to other states) - $1,000-1,500+
  • CPR/BLS Certification (2-years, post graduation; required to practice dental hygiene in the field) - $50-$100+
  • Live Scan/Background Check - $50-80
  • California RDH Application and Initial License - $250

TOTAL = $2,320-$3,505

The great thing is, there are scholarships and help available! Don't miss out on free money! See below for dental hygiene student scholarships.
CDHA offers several student members scholarships through its foundation. To learn more, click here.
  • Cora Ueland Scholarship - $1,500 each winner (4 total: two (2) first-year and two (2) second-year students)
  • Diana Corley Scholarship - One $2,000 award will be granted each year to a dental hygiene student in an entry bachelor’s degree program or a bachelor’s degree completion program, of any major.
  • Mary A. Fadhl Research Travel Grant - Multiple grants of $500 will be awarded to CDHA Student Members annually. We offer one travel grant per poster submission.
ADHA student and professional members are eligible for Foundation scholarships. Current ADHA Foundation Board of Directors, ADHA Board of Directors and members of the Scholarship Review Committee are not eligible to apply. To learn more, click here.

​Applications Open: December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Apply now: my.reviewr.com/site/FY26scholarships

Recipient Selection: Late Spring