Steps to get licensed in Louisiana
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX dental hygiene exam, and apply within three years of passing it.
- Hold current BLS certification for healthcare providers.
- Pass the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry jurisprudence exam.
- Complete a fingerprint background check and apply to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
Board exams for Louisiana licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Louisiana accepts ADEX. You must apply within three years of passing ADEX.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
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
Louisiana requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Check with the board
We haven't confirmed Louisiana's local anesthesia rules for hygienists against a board rule yet. Ask the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry what training or permit you need.
Moving to Louisiana with a license from another state
Louisiana isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
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 3 schools with dental hygiene programs in Louisiana, 1 offers 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 Louisiana State Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Louisiana
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Louisiana?
Not automatically. Louisiana isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Louisiana require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Louisiana requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Louisiana?
We haven't confirmed Louisiana's local anesthesia rules for hygienists against a board rule yet. Ask the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry what training or permit you need.
Which clinical exams does Louisiana accept?
Louisiana accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. You must apply within three years of passing ADEX. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- lsbd.org /licenseinfo.htm
- lsbd.org /applications/LBEApplicationHygiene.pdf
- legis.la.gov /legis/Law.aspx
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site