Steps to get licensed in Washington, DC
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX dental hygiene exam (patient-based or manikin-based).
- Hold current CPR certification for healthcare providers.
- Submit three moral character references and complete the criminal background check.
- Apply to the DC Board of Dentistry through the DC Health licensing portal.
Board exams for Washington, DC licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Washington, DC accepts ADEX. The patient-based and manikin-based versions of ADEX both count.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
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
- Check with the board
DC's regulations require the DC Dental Law Examination for every applicant. The Board of Dentistry's application page currently lists the take-home law exam as waived, so ask the board whether you need it.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Washington, DC requires a separate local anesthesia authority. You apply online, pay a $25 fee, and send a certificate from an approved course.
Moving to Washington, DC with a license from another state
Washington, DC isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the DC Board of Dentistry 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 Washington, DC?
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. Washington, DC has no dental hygiene programs in our directory, so you would train in a nearby state such as Maryland or Virginia. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the DC Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Washington, DC
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Washington, DC?
Not automatically. Washington, DC isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the DC Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Washington, DC require a jurisprudence exam?
DC's regulations require the DC Dental Law Examination for every applicant. The Board of Dentistry's application page currently lists the take-home law exam as waived, so ask the board whether you need it.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC requires a separate local anesthesia authority. You apply online, pay a $25 fee, and send a certificate from an approved course.
Which clinical exams does Washington, DC accept?
Washington, DC accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. The patient-based and manikin-based versions of ADEX both count. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- dcregs.dc.gov /Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx
- dchealth.dc.gov /service/dental-hygienist-application-documents
- dchealth.dc.gov /sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/service_cont…
Rules change. Confirm with the DC Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site