The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is offered under the auspices of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, an independent agency of the American Dental Association. The NBDHE assists state boards in evaluating qualifications of dental hygienists for licensure. NBDHE certification is accepted in all states as fulfilling all or part of the written examination requirements for licensure. The NBDHE assesses the ability to understand important information from basic biomedical and dental hygiene sciences and also the ability to apply such information in a problem-solving context.

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is offered under the auspices of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, an independent agency of the American Dental Association. The NBDHE assists state boards in evaluating qualifications of dental hygienists for licensure. NBDHE certification is accepted in all states as fulfilling all or part of the written examination requirements for licensure. The NBDHE assesses the ability to understand important information from basic biomedical and dental hygiene sciences and also the ability to apply such information in a problem-solving context.

Prior to scheduling a testing appointment, you must:

1. Review the NBDHE Candidate Guide, specifically the Eligibility Requirements, Rules of Conduct, Examination Regulations, and the Testing Center Procedures.

2. Submit an examination application to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). Your application must be approved by your dental hygiene program director or you must submit proof of graduation from an approved education program.

3. Receive an eligibility email from the JCNDE.

4. Create a Pearson VUE web account (first-time test takers only).