Steps to get licensed in Massachusetts
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Massachusetts Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination.
- Hold current BLS or CPR/AED certification.
- Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry.
Board exams for Massachusetts licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Massachusetts issues a separate local anesthesia permit, called Permit L.
Moving to Massachusetts with a license from another state
Massachusetts has a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact bill pending but hasn't joined yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Massachusetts Board of Registration in 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 Massachusetts?
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 8 schools with dental hygiene programs in Massachusetts, 7 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 Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Massachusetts
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Massachusetts?
Not automatically. Massachusetts has a compact bill pending but isn't a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact member yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Massachusetts require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts issues a separate local anesthesia permit, called Permit L.
Which clinical exams does Massachusetts accept?
Massachusetts accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- mass.gov /how-to/apply-for-a-dental-hygienist-license
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/massachusetts/234-CMR-4-07
- mass.gov /how-to/renew-your-dental-hygienist-license-an…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site