Steps to get licensed in Florida
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE and have the ADA send your scores to the board.
- Pass the ADEX dental hygiene exam (scores from June 1, 2010, or later).
- Pass the Florida Laws and Rules exam.
- Complete electronic fingerprinting and apply to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Board exams for Florida licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Florida accepts ADEX. Your ADEX scores must be from June 1, 2010, or later. You also pass Florida's own Laws and Rules exam.
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
- Required
Florida requires its Laws and Rules exam for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Florida issues a separate local anesthesia certificate. You need a course from a CODA-accredited or board-approved program with at least 30 hours of didactic and 30 hours of clinical instruction, plus current BLS or ACLS. You can then give local anesthesia to adults who aren't sedated, under a dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to Florida with a license from another state
Florida isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
Florida has no reciprocity and doesn't offer traditional licensure by credentials. If you've practiced for at least two of the past four years with an active, unencumbered license from another state, you may qualify through Florida's MOBILE endorsement. Otherwise, you apply by examination. 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 Florida?
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 23 schools with dental hygiene programs in Florida, all offer an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules exam, then the Florida Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Florida
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Florida?
Not automatically. Florida isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Florida has no reciprocity and doesn't offer traditional licensure by credentials. If you've practiced for at least two of the past four years with an active, unencumbered license from another state, you may qualify through Florida's MOBILE endorsement. Otherwise, you apply by examination. How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Florida require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Florida requires its Laws and Rules exam for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Florida?
Florida issues a separate local anesthesia certificate. You need a course from a CODA-accredited or board-approved program with at least 30 hours of didactic and 30 hours of clinical instruction, plus current BLS or ACLS. You can then give local anesthesia to adults who aren't sedated, under a dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does Florida accept?
Florida accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Your ADEX scores must be from June 1, 2010, or later. You also pass Florida's own Laws and Rules exam. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- floridasdentistry.gov /dental-hygienist
- leg.state.fl.us /statutes/index.cfm
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Florida Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site