Steps to get licensed in Iowa
- 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 Iowa jurisprudence exam (75% to pass).
- Hold current CPR certification.
- Apply to the Iowa Dental Board with a criminal background check and fees.
Board exams for Iowa licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Iowa 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
Iowa requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Iowa issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need board-approved training and a clinical local anesthesia exam within 36 months, or equivalent out-of-state practice.
Moving to Iowa with a license from another state
Iowa is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Iowa Dental Board 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 Iowa?
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 6 schools with dental hygiene programs in Iowa, all offer an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Iowa Dental Board reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Iowa
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Iowa?
Not automatically yet. Iowa has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Iowa Dental Board about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Iowa require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Iowa 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 Iowa?
Iowa issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need board-approved training and a clinical local anesthesia exam within 36 months, or equivalent out-of-state practice.
Which clinical exams does Iowa accept?
Iowa accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dial.iowa.gov /licenses/health-professions/dental/dental-hyg…
- legis.iowa.gov /docs/iac/chapter/481.572.pdf
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Iowa Dental Board before you rely on them. Official board site