Steps to get licensed in Ohio
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Ohio jurisprudence exam (open book, 75% to pass).
- Show proof of hepatitis B immunity or vaccination.
- Complete a criminal records check and apply to the Ohio State Dental Board through eLicense Ohio.
Board exams for Ohio licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Ohio 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
Ohio requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Training only
Ohio doesn't issue a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a board-approved course at a CODA-accredited program, then a board-approved written local anesthesia exam within 18 months, plus current BLS. You give it under a dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to Ohio with a license from another state
Ohio is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're licensed in another state and have practiced for at least one of the past five years, you can apply as an out-of-state license holder. You still pass the Ohio jurisprudence exam. 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio, 11 offer an associate degree and 2 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Ohio State Dental Board reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Ohio
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Ohio?
Not automatically yet. Ohio has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're licensed in another state and have practiced for at least one of the past five years, you can apply as an out-of-state license holder. You still pass the Ohio jurisprudence exam. How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Ohio require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Ohio requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you need 75% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Ohio?
Ohio doesn't issue a separate local anesthesia permit. You need a board-approved course at a CODA-accredited program, then a board-approved written local anesthesia exam within 18 months, plus current BLS. You give it under a dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does Ohio accept?
Ohio accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- dental.ohio.gov /licensing-and-renewal/002-dental-hygienist/00…
- codes.ohio.gov /ohio-revised-code/section-4715.231
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Ohio State Dental Board before you rely on them. Official board site