Steps to get licensed in Georgia
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam with at least 75% on every section.
- Pass the Georgia jurisprudence exam (open book, 75% to pass). Your score is good for one year.
- Submit a notarized application with CPR certification, a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query, and license verifications.
- Apply online through the Georgia licensing portal.
Board exams for Georgia licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Georgia accepts ADEX or CRDTS.
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
Georgia requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Training only
Georgia doesn't issue a separate permit. You need a 60-hour board-approved course (30 didactic, 15 lab, and 15 clinical hours), and you keep the certificate for board audits. Your supervising dentist verifies your training.
Moving to Georgia with a license from another state
Georgia isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Georgia 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 Georgia?
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 15 schools with dental hygiene programs in Georgia, 13 offer an associate degree, 2 offer a bachelor's degree, and 1 offers a certificate. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Georgia Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Georgia
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Georgia?
Not automatically. Georgia isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Georgia Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Georgia require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Georgia requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you need 75% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Georgia?
Georgia doesn't issue a separate permit. You need a 60-hour board-approved course (30 didactic, 15 lab, and 15 clinical hours), and you keep the certificate for board audits. Your supervising dentist verifies your training.
Which clinical exams does Georgia accept?
Georgia accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- gbd.georgia.gov /faqs-other-information/dental-hygienist-faqs
- rules.sos.ga.gov /gac/150-5
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/georgia/Ga-Comp-R-Regs-R-150-5-.07
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Georgia Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site