Steps to get licensed in Kansas
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass all sections of a patient-based or manikin-based ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Kansas jurisprudence exam.
- Apply through the Kansas Dental Board's online licensing portal.
Board exams for Kansas licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Kansas accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Kansas requires all sections of a patient-based or manikin-based clinical exam.
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
Kansas requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Training only
Kansas doesn't issue a separate local anesthesia permit, but you must complete a board-approved local anesthesia course before you give it. You give block and infiltration anesthesia under a dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to Kansas with a license from another state
Kansas 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.
Kansas licenses you by credentials if you've been licensed for more than three years and have practiced within the past three years. If you've been licensed for less than three years, 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 Kansas?
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 Kansas, 4 offer an associate degree and 1 offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Kansas Dental Board reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Kansas
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Kansas?
Not automatically yet. Kansas has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. Kansas licenses you by credentials if you've been licensed for more than three years and have practiced within the past three years. If you've been licensed for less than three years, you apply by examination. How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Kansas require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Kansas requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Kansas?
Kansas doesn't issue a separate local anesthesia permit, but you must complete a board-approved local anesthesia course before you give it. You give block and infiltration anesthesia under a dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does Kansas accept?
Kansas accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Kansas requires all sections of a patient-based or manikin-based clinical exam. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dental.ks.gov /hygienists/applications
- dental.ks.gov /about-us/clinic-resource-exam-center
- dental.ks.gov /laws/kansas-dental-practices-act
- ksrevisor.gov /statutes/chapters/ch65/065_014_0056.html
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Kansas Dental Board before you rely on them. Official board site