Steps to get licensed in Kentucky
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam, or the JCNDE's DHLOSCE, within five years of applying.
- Pass the Kentucky Board of Dentistry jurisprudence exam (80% to pass).
- Hold current CPR certification.
- Complete a nationwide criminal background check and apply to the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.
Board exams for Kentucky licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Kentucky accepts ADEX, CRDTS, or DHLOSCE.
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.
The JCNDE's Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
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
Kentucky requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 80% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Kentucky issues a separate local anesthesia registration. You need a 46-hour CODA-accredited course and a written exam (75% to pass).
Moving to Kentucky with a license from another state
Kentucky isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky, 4 offer an associate degree and 2 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Kentucky Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Kentucky
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Kentucky?
Not automatically. Kentucky isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Kentucky Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Kentucky require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Kentucky requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 80% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Kentucky?
Kentucky issues a separate local anesthesia registration. You need a 46-hour CODA-accredited course and a written exam (75% to pass).
Which clinical exams does Kentucky accept?
Kentucky accepts ADEX, CRDTS, or DHLOSCE. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dentistry.ky.gov /Dental-Hygienists/Pages/Initial-Licensure.aspx
- apps.legislature.ky.gov /law/kar/titles/201/008/563
- dentistry.ky.gov /Dental-Hygienists/Pages/Special-Registrations…
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Kentucky Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site