Steps to get licensed in Nebraska
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE with a score of 75 or higher.
- Pass the CRDTS dental hygiene exam (patient-based or manikin-based).
- Pass the Nebraska jurisprudence exam (75% to pass).
- Complete a fingerprint background check through the Nebraska State Patrol.
- Apply to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit.
Board exams for Nebraska licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Nebraska accepts CRDTS. Nebraska accepts the CRDTS exam for initial licensure. ADEX scores count only if you took or signed up for the exam before November 1, 2022.
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
Nebraska requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Nebraska issues a separate local anesthesia certification through its own application. The supervising dentist must be on site.
Moving to Nebraska with a license from another state
Nebraska 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 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 Nebraska?
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 2 schools with dental hygiene programs in Nebraska, 1 offers 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Nebraska
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Nebraska?
Not automatically yet. Nebraska 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Nebraska require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
Nebraska issues a separate local anesthesia certification through its own application. The supervising dentist must be on site.
Which clinical exams does Nebraska accept?
Nebraska accepts one clinical exam: CRDTS. Nebraska accepts the CRDTS exam for initial licensure. ADEX scores count only if you took or signed up for the exam before November 1, 2022. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dhhs.ne.gov /licensure/Documents/DentHygApp.pdf
- nebraskalegislature.gov /laws/statutes.php
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/nebraska/172-Neb-Admin-Code-ch-57…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services before you rely on them. Official board site