Steps to get licensed in North Carolina
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX dental hygiene exam (scores must be less than five years old).
- Pass the board's online written exams in North Carolina jurisprudence and in infection control and sterilization.
- Apply through the board's Licensure Gateway.
Board exams for North Carolina licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, North Carolina accepts ADEX. Your ADEX scores must be less than five years old. You also pass two online written exams from the board: North Carolina jurisprudence, and infection control and sterilization.
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
North Carolina requires an online written exam in North Carolina jurisprudence, along with a written exam in infection control and sterilization.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
North Carolina certifies hygienists to give local anesthetics. You need a 30-hour North Carolina course (16 didactic and 14 clinical hours), or out-of-state training plus two years of practice.
Moving to North Carolina with a license from another state
North Carolina isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
North Carolina offers licensure by credentials if you've held a license by clinical exam for at least two years, have 2,000 hours of patient care in the past two years, and have never been disciplined. 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 North Carolina?
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 13 schools with dental hygiene programs in North Carolina, 12 offer an associate degree and 1 offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, the ADEX clinical exam, and the board's jurisprudence and infection control exams, then the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in North Carolina
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to North Carolina?
Not automatically. North Carolina isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. North Carolina offers licensure by credentials if you've held a license by clinical exam for at least two years, have 2,000 hours of patient care in the past two years, and have never been disciplined. How to get a dental hygiene license
Does North Carolina require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. North Carolina requires an online written exam in North Carolina jurisprudence, along with a written exam in infection control and sterilization.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in North Carolina?
North Carolina certifies hygienists to give local anesthetics. You need a 30-hour North Carolina course (16 didactic and 14 clinical hours), or out-of-state training plus two years of practice.
Which clinical exams does North Carolina accept?
North Carolina accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Your ADEX scores must be less than five years old. You also pass two online written exams from the board: North Carolina jurisprudence, and infection control and sterilization. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- ncdentalboard.org /hygienist.htm
- ncdentalboard.org /PDF/LocalAnestheticsCertProcess sept 21.pdf
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site