Steps to get licensed in New Hampshire
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX exam, or another clinical exam the board accepts, within the past three years.
- Apply to the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Board of Dental Examiners.
Board exams for New Hampshire licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, New Hampshire accepts ADEX or CRDTS. New Hampshire requires your clinical exam to be passed within the past three years, a shorter window than most states.
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
- Not required
New Hampshire doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
New Hampshire requires a separate local anesthesia permit, with board-approved training and an exam.
Moving to New Hampshire with a license from another state
New Hampshire isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
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. The one school with a dental hygiene program in New Hampshire offers an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in New Hampshire
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to New Hampshire?
Not automatically. New Hampshire isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does New Hampshire require a jurisprudence exam?
No. New Hampshire doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires a separate local anesthesia permit, with board-approved training and an exam.
Which clinical exams does New Hampshire accept?
New Hampshire accepts ADEX or CRDTS. New Hampshire requires your clinical exam to be passed within the past three years, a shorter window than most states. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- oplc.nh.gov /board-dental-examiners-license-application
- oplc.nh.gov /board-dental-examiners-laws-and-rules
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site