Steps to get licensed in Michigan
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass all parts of the NBDHE.
- Pass all written and clinical parts of the ADEX exam.
- Hold current BLS or ACLS certification with a hands-on component.
- Apply through MiPLUS, Michigan's online licensing system.
Board exams for Michigan licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Michigan accepts ADEX. Michigan requires all written and clinical parts of the ADEX exam, after you pass every part of the NBDHE.
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
- Not required
Michigan doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Michigan issues a separate local anesthesia specialty certification. You need an accredited local anesthesia course and a written exam within 18 months of your training. The certification doesn't need renewal.
Moving to Michigan with a license from another state
Michigan has a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact bill pending but hasn't joined yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 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 Michigan?
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 13 schools with dental hygiene programs in Michigan, 11 offer an associate degree and 2 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Michigan
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Michigan?
Not automatically. Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Michigan require a jurisprudence exam?
No. Michigan doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Michigan?
Michigan issues a separate local anesthesia specialty certification. You need an accredited local anesthesia course and a written exam within 18 months of your training. The certification doesn't need renewal.
Which clinical exams does Michigan accept?
Michigan accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Michigan requires all written and clinical parts of the ADEX exam, after you pass every part of the NBDHE. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/michigan/Mich-Admin-Code-R-338-11…
- michigan.gov /lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-pro…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs before you rely on them. Official board site