Steps to get licensed in Arkansas
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass a patient-based ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within five years.
- Hold current healthcare provider CPR certification from an in-person course.
- Apply with your transcript and license verifications, and authorize a criminal background check.
- Pass the Arkansas open-book jurisprudence exam, which the board emails after it receives your application.
Board exams for Arkansas licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Arkansas accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Arkansas requires a patient-based clinical exam taken within the past five years.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Arkansas requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you take it after you apply.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Arkansas issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course that includes the inferior alveolar nerve block, and the permit fee is $25.
Moving to Arkansas with a license from another state
Arkansas is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Arkansas?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 2 schools with dental hygiene programs in Arkansas, all offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Arkansas
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Arkansas?
Not automatically yet. Arkansas has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Arkansas require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Arkansas requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you take it after you apply.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Arkansas?
Arkansas issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course that includes the inferior alveolar nerve block, and the permit fee is $25.
Which clinical exams does Arkansas accept?
Arkansas accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Arkansas requires a patient-based clinical exam taken within the past five years. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- healthy.arkansas.gov /boards-commissions/boards/dental-examiners-ar…
- codeofarrules.arkansas.gov /Rules/Rule
- codeofarrules.arkansas.gov /Rules/Rule
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site