Steps to get licensed in New Mexico
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within five years.
- Pass the New Mexico jurisprudence exam (75% to pass).
- Complete a background status report through B&B Reporting.
- Apply to the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care.
Board exams for New Mexico licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, New Mexico 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
New Mexico requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
New Mexico issues a separate local anesthesia certification. Outside the hygiene curriculum, you need 24 didactic and 10 clinical hours plus a board-approved written and clinical exam.
Moving to New Mexico with a license from another state
New Mexico isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care 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 Mexico?
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 4 schools with dental hygiene programs in New Mexico, 3 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 Mexico Board of Dental Health Care reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in New Mexico
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to New Mexico?
Not automatically. New Mexico isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does New Mexico require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
New Mexico issues a separate local anesthesia certification. Outside the hygiene curriculum, you need 24 didactic and 10 clinical hours plus a board-approved written and clinical exam.
Which clinical exams does New Mexico accept?
New Mexico accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- rld.nm.gov /wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOARD-APPROVED_REG…
- rld.nm.gov /boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-…
- rld.nm.gov /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/16.005.0028-Dental…
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care before you rely on them. Official board site