Steps to get licensed in North Dakota
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within five years of applying.
- Pass the North Dakota online open-book jurisprudence exam.
- Submit fingerprint cards for a criminal records check.
- Apply to the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners.
Board exams for North Dakota licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, North Dakota 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
North Dakota requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
North Dakota issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You apply with a CODA-accredited course or proof of out-of-state competency, and you need it only if you plan to give local anesthesia.
Moving to North Dakota with a license from another state
North Dakota isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
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 North Dakota offers an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in North Dakota
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to North Dakota?
Not automatically. North Dakota isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does North Dakota require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. North Dakota requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in North Dakota?
North Dakota issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You apply with a CODA-accredited course or proof of out-of-state competency, and you need it only if you plan to give local anesthesia.
Which clinical exams does North Dakota accept?
North Dakota accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- nddentalboard.org /practitioners/Hygienist/Application/index.asp
- nddentalboard.org /practitioners/hygienist/index.asp
- nddentalboard.org /download_resource.asp
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site