Which of the following is NOT part of the pathway to licensure for an RDH?

The pathway to licensure for a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) typically includes several crucial steps that must be completed to ensure that the individual is qualified to practice safely and effectively. Graduating from an ADA-accredited hygiene program is essential because it ensures that the dental hygienist has received a foundational education that meets national standards. Completing state boards is also a required step, as it involves passing examinations that assess the hygienist's knowledge and skills in a practical setting.

While passing a clinical proficiency test may be part of the process in some jurisdictions, it is not universally required as a separate step in every state's licensure pathway. Many states may conduct this assessment as part of the state board examinations rather than as an additional, distinct requirement. Therefore, while it is an assessment of skills, it does not fit neatly into the formal steps required for licensure as the others do.

Proof of completion of local anesthesia training is also a common requirement for RDHs who wish to provide services involving anesthesia; however, it is often handled as additional certification rather than a core part of the primary pathway to licensure. These distinctions clarify why passing a separate clinical proficiency test is not necessarily a standard part of the licensure pathway for all RDHs.