Steps to get licensed in New Jersey
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE and release your scores to the board through DENTPIN.
- Pass the ADEX clinical exam (the board may accept another regional exam case by case).
- Complete the New Jersey Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Orientation Program.
- Complete a criminal history background check with fingerprinting.
- Apply online to the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.
Board exams for New Jersey licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, New Jersey accepts ADEX. Your ADEX exam must be within five years before you apply. The board may accept another regional exam case by case.
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
- Required
New Jersey requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
New Jersey issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a board-approved course (20 didactic and 12 clinical hours) and a written local anesthesia exam. You give it under a New Jersey dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to New Jersey with a license from another state
New Jersey has a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact bill pending but hasn't joined yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the New Jersey State 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 New Jersey?
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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey State Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in New Jersey
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to New Jersey?
Not automatically. New Jersey 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 New Jersey State Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does New Jersey require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. New Jersey requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in New Jersey?
New Jersey issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a board-approved course (20 didactic and 12 clinical hours) and a written local anesthesia exam. You give it under a New Jersey dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does New Jersey accept?
New Jersey accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Your ADEX exam must be within five years before you apply. The board may accept another regional exam case by case. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- njconsumeraffairs.gov /den/Documents/Dental-Hygienist-Application-Pr…
- njconsumeraffairs.gov /den/Applications/Application-for-Local-Anesth…
- njconsumeraffairs.gov /den/Pages/licensingFAQ.aspx
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site