Steps to get licensed in Minnesota
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE within five years of applying.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within five years of applying.
- Pass the Minnesota jurisprudence exam within five years of applying.
- Hold current CPR certification.
- Apply to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry with a criminal background check.
Board exams for Minnesota licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Minnesota accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Minnesota requires your NBDHE, clinical exam, and jurisprudence exam to be passed within five years before you apply.
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
Minnesota requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Minnesota requires board approval to give local anesthesia. You complete a CODA-accredited local anesthesia program, then file a local anesthesia application with the board. The board grants the authority without a separate permit number.
Moving to Minnesota with a license from another state
Minnesota 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.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
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 10 schools with dental hygiene programs in Minnesota, 7 offer an associate degree and 3 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Minnesota Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Minnesota
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Minnesota?
Not automatically yet. Minnesota has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Minnesota Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Minnesota require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Minnesota requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires board approval to give local anesthesia. You complete a CODA-accredited local anesthesia program, then file a local anesthesia application with the board. The board grants the authority without a separate permit number.
Which clinical exams does Minnesota accept?
Minnesota accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Minnesota requires your NBDHE, clinical exam, and jurisprudence exam to be passed within five years before you apply. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- mn.gov /boards/dentistry/new-applicant
- revisor.mn.gov /rules/3100.1200
- revisor.mn.gov /statutes/cite/150A.06
- mn.gov /boards/dentistry/sedation-anesthesia/local-an…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site