Steps to get licensed in Indiana
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within five years of applying.
- Pass the Indiana jurisprudence exam (75% to pass).
- Apply to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry with official score reports and a background check.
Board exams for Indiana licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Indiana 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
Indiana requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Indiana issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a CODA-accredited course with at least 15 hours of didactic and 14 hours of lab training, plus a board-accepted local anesthesia exam.
Moving to Indiana with a license from another state
Indiana isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Indiana State 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 Indiana?
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 5 schools with dental hygiene programs in Indiana, 2 offer an associate degree and 4 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Indiana State Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Indiana
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Indiana?
Not automatically. Indiana isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Indiana State Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Indiana require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Indiana requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Indiana?
Indiana issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a CODA-accredited course with at least 15 hours of didactic and 14 hours of lab training, plus a board-accepted local anesthesia exam.
Which clinical exams does Indiana accept?
Indiana accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- in.gov /pla/professions/dentistry-home/dentistry-lice…
- iar.iga.in.gov /code/2025/828/1
- iga.in.gov /pdf-documents/124/2025/house/bills/HB1031/HB1…
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Indiana State Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site