National Dental Hygiene Board Exam

Are you aspiring to become a licensed dental hygienist? If so, you need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This exam is required by state licensing agencies to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications for practicing dental hygiene professionally. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will provide you with valuable information about the NBDHE, eligibility requirements, exam outline, registration process, test day tips, scoring system, and retake options. Let’s get started!

Eligibility

To be eligible for the NBDHE, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be a dental hygiene student in a program accredited by CODA and be prepared in all NBDHE disciplines.
• Have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
• Have graduated from a non-accredited dental hygiene program with a letter of recommendation from an accredited dean/director and from the secretary of a board of dentistry.

Exam Outline Review

The NBDHE exam consists of 350 multiple-choice questions and has a total time limit of 7.5 hours. The exam is divided into two sessions: session one and session two.

Session One

In session one, you will encounter 200 discipline-based questions that cover various areas, including:

• Scientific Basis for Dental Hygiene Practice (61 questions)

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Nutrition and biochemistry
  • Microbiology and immunology
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology

• Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services (115 questions)

  • Assessing patient characteristics
  • Obtaining and interpreting radiographs
  • Planning and managing dental hygiene care
  • Performing periodontal procedures
  • Using preventive agents
  • Providing supportive treatment services
  • Professional responsibility

• Community Health/Research Principles (24 questions)

  • Promoting health and preventing disease within groups
  • Participating in community programs
  • Analyzing scientific literature
  • Understanding statistical data

Session Two

During session two, you will face case-based questions related to 12 to 15 given dental hygiene patient cases. The questions will evaluate your knowledge and skills in areas such as:

• Assessing patient characteristics
• Obtaining and interpreting radiographs
• Planning and managing dental hygiene care
• Performing periodontal procedures
• Using preventive agents
• Providing supportive treatment services
• Professional responsibility

Registration

To register for the NBDHE, you need to create a DENTPIN and submit an application to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). Along with your application, you must include the nonrefundable $565 examination fee. Once your application is approved, the JCNDE will send you an email confirming your eligibility and providing information on how to schedule your examination appointment.

Test Day

On the day of the exam, it’s essential to arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will allow ample time for the check-in process. When you arrive, you’ll need to sign in and present a valid photo ID to the proctor. Don’t forget to leave your personal items, such as electrical devices, bags, books, keys, wallets, and accessories, at home or in your car, as they are not allowed in the testing room.

Just prior to starting the exam, you will receive a brief tutorial on the testing system. You will also be provided with everything you need to work out any calculations by hand, as no calculator will be provided.

How the Exam is Scored

Your NBDHE score is determined using a scaled scoring system. This means that your raw score (the number of questions you answered correctly) will be converted to a scaled score within a range of 49 to 99. To pass the exam, you will need to achieve a minimum score of 75. Within approximately four weeks of your testing date, you should receive a score report.

Retaking the Exam

In the event that you do not pass the NBDHE, you will need to wait at least 60 days before applying for a retest. You are allowed to take the exam up to four times within a year. Afterward, the waiting period between retakes increases to 12 months.

FAQs

Q: How can I prepare for the NBDHE?

A: For free NBDHE practice tests, click “Start Test” at the top of the page. For premium-quality NBDHE test prep resources, check out our recommended links below.

Q: Is the NBDHE a requirement for all states?

A: Yes, the NBDHE is required by state licensing agencies in order to become a licensed dental hygienist.

Q: Can I bring personal items into the testing room?

A: No, personal items are not allowed in the testing room. Please leave them at home or in your car.

Q: How long will it take to receive my NBDHE score?

A: You should receive a score report within four weeks of your original testing date.

Q: How many times can I retake the NBDHE?

A: You can take the NBDHE up to four times within one year. After that, the waiting period between retakes increases to 12 months.

For more information, visit Make You Smile. Good luck with your NBDHE journey!