NBDHE & Clinical Exam Prep
Licensure as a dental hygienist requires passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. The NBDHE is a written, computer-based test of biomedical and dental hygiene science plus case-based reasoning. Regional clinical exams — most commonly CDCA-WREB-CITA and ADEX — assess hands-on clinical competency on live patients.
Study Guides & Prep Courses
ADA NBDHE Review
Official National Board Dental Hygiene Examination overview and preparation materials from the ADA.
Get ItDental Board Prep Courses
Structured review courses covering biomedical, dental hygiene science, and case-based content.
Get ItCDCA-WREB-CITA Exam Info
Regional clinical examination details for the joint CDCA, WREB, and CITA clinical licensure exams.
Get ItADEX Examination
American Dental Examiners diagnostic and clinical examination information and candidate guides.
Get ItFrequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the NBDHE?
The NBDHE is a computer-based exam with two components: a discipline-based section covering biomedical and dental hygiene sciences, and a case-based section using patient scenarios to assess applied knowledge.
What is the passing score for the NBDHE?
The NBDHE uses a scaled passing score of 75. Results are reported as pass or fail without a numeric score for those who pass.
What is the retake policy?
Candidates who do not pass may retake the NBDHE after a mandatory waiting period. Check the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations for the current retake interval and attempt limits.
What are the regional clinical exams?
Most states accept a regional clinical exam such as CDCA-WREB-CITA or ADEX for licensure. These exams assess clinical skills including periodontal scaling and prophylaxis on live patients.
Some links on this page are affiliate links; RDH Planet may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for full details.