Steps to get licensed in Mississippi
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Mississippi jurisprudence exam (75% to pass) within 90 days of applying.
- Apply through the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners' Licensure Gateway.
Board exams for Mississippi licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Mississippi 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
Mississippi requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Mississippi issues a separate local anesthesia certification. You need a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course and a local anesthesia exam, and the initial fee is $50. The supervising dentist must be on site.
Moving to Mississippi with a license from another state
Mississippi isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners 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 Mississippi?
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 Mississippi, 4 offer an associate degree and 1 offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Mississippi
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Mississippi?
Not automatically. Mississippi isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Mississippi require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Mississippi requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Mississippi?
Mississippi issues a separate local anesthesia certification. You need a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course and a local anesthesia exam, and the initial fee is $50. The supervising dentist must be on site.
Which clinical exams does Mississippi accept?
Mississippi accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dentalboard.ms.gov /sites/dentalboard/files/Licensure By Examinat…
- dentalboard.ms.gov /sites/dentalboard/files/MSBDE Regulation 13_E…
- dentalboard.ms.gov /regional-testing-agencies
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site