Steps to get licensed in Delaware
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and have your transcript sent to the board.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene (offered twice a year), unless you qualify by reciprocity.
- Pass the Delaware jurisprudence exam (open book).
- Hold current CPR certification and complete the state and FBI background check.
- Apply through DELPROS with a reference letter and license verifications.
Board exams for Delaware licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Delaware accepts Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene. Delaware gives its own practical exam twice a year instead of accepting ADEX for initial licensure. You can take the NBDHE and the practical exam in either order.
Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene
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
Delaware requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Delaware issues a separate local anesthesia permit under standards that took effect March 1, 2026. You apply through DELPROS and give local anesthesia under a dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to Delaware with a license from another state
Delaware has a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact bill pending but hasn't joined yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene 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 Delaware?
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. The one school with a dental hygiene program in Delaware offers an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and the Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, plus the jurisprudence exam, then the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Delaware
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Delaware?
Not automatically. Delaware has a compact bill pending but isn't a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact member yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Delaware require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Delaware requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Delaware?
Delaware issues a separate local anesthesia permit under standards that took effect March 1, 2026. You apply through DELPROS and give local anesthesia under a dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does Delaware accept?
Delaware accepts one clinical exam: Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene. Delaware gives its own practical exam twice a year instead of accepting ADEX for initial licensure. You can take the NBDHE and the practical exam in either order. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dpr.delaware.gov /boards/dental/hygienist_license
- dpr.delaware.gov /boards/dental/exams
- delcode.delaware.gov /title24/c011/sc01
- dpr.delaware.gov /boards/dental
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene before you rely on them. Official board site