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National Board Dental HYGIENE Examination (NBDHE)

Step 1: Read the Candidate Guide
Please review the Candidate Guide, specifically the Eligibility Requirements, Rules of Conduct, Test Regulations, Irregularities/Appeals, Testing Procedures, the Testing Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions.

During the application process you will be asked to confirm that you have read the Candidate Guide and agree to the rules and regulations contained within the document. Candidates are responsible for understanding the information contained within the Candidate Guide. Candidates who violate examination regulations may have their exam scores voided and wait up to two years to retest.

Step 2: Apply for the Examination
Paper-based examination fee: $215.
Computer-based examination fee: $265
Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (no exceptions).

Electronic Notification of NBDHE Eligibility
When your NBDHE application has been processed, you will receive an e-mail notification of your eligibility for testing and further instructions from education@ada.org.  (Please check your spam folder if unable to locate the notification, especially Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo accounts.)

Step 3: Schedule a Time to Take the Examination

The computer-based NBDHE will be offered beginning December 2008 at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

You must apply to take the NBDHE and receive your eligibility notice prior to scheduling your testing appointment with Pearson VUE.

Application Deadline*
Paper-Based
Examination Date
February 2, 2009 March 24, 2009
(The paper-based NBDHE will not be administered after this date.)

*Must be received in Joint Commission office.

Advance Scheduling

Computer-based examinations are scheduled and administered on an individual basis.

To increase the likelihood you will receive your first choice of date, time and location, you should schedule your testing 60 to 90 days before the desired testing date. You may schedule your testing appointment with Pearson VUE upon receipt of your eligibility email or letter.

Rescheduling Testing Appointments
You may reschedule your testing appointment directly through Pearson VUE. There is a $25 fee to reschedule.

Canceling Testing Appointments
Canceling your testing appointment will result in a complete forfeiture of your examination fee (as noted in Step 2 above, examination fees are nonrefundable).

NBDHE Blackout Dates
Please check here for future blackout dates.

Step 4: Take the Examination at a Testing Center

The paper-based NBDHE will be conducted at testing centers assigned by the JCNDE.

The computer-based NBDHE is administered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers in the United States; it’s territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and in Canada.

Candidates with concerns about scheduling, testing conditions, or any unresolved problem should inform the Test Administrator before leaving the test center. For issues requiring further action, candidates must contact the Joint Commission office within five business days of the testing appointment.

Step 5: Scores and Certificates
The examination fee includes a score report for you and the dental hygiene program director. The examination fee includes score reports for three dental licensing boards, if they are requested on the application. Results from the paper-based examination are mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after the examination; computer-based results are mailed approximately 3-4 weeks after the examination. Use the forms below to request additional score reports or a National Board Certificate, or an audit of scores.

Contact Information
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611-2637
800-232-1694
Email Us

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Additional Resources

ADEA Meeting Presentations:

Joint Commission on
National Dental Examinations


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