Steps to get licensed in Oklahoma
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within the past five years.
- Submit a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query and license verifications.
- Apply to the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry before the deadline for the next board meeting.
- After the board approves your application, pass the Oklahoma jurisprudence exam (70% to pass) at the board office.
Board exams for Oklahoma licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Oklahoma 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
Oklahoma requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass and you take it after you apply.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Oklahoma tracks local anesthesia as an advanced procedure on your license. You apply separately, and a local anesthesia exam may be required.
Moving to Oklahoma with a license from another state
Oklahoma is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Oklahoma enacted the compact on May 13, 2026, as the 13th state, and the law takes effect November 1, 2026. 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 already licensed in another state, ask the Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
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 3 schools with dental hygiene programs in Oklahoma, 2 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 Oklahoma Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Oklahoma
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Oklahoma?
Not automatically yet. Oklahoma has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. Oklahoma enacted the compact on May 13, 2026, as the 13th state, and the law takes effect November 1, 2026. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Oklahoma require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Oklahoma requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass and you take it after you apply.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma tracks local anesthesia as an advanced procedure on your license. You apply separately, and a local anesthesia exam may be required.
Which clinical exams does Oklahoma accept?
Oklahoma accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- oklahoma.gov /dentistry/applications-forms/dental-hygiene.h…
- oklahoma.gov /dentistry/about/statutes-rules.html
- oklahoma.gov /content/dam/ok/en/dentistry/documents/statute…
- oksenate.gov /press-releases/stanley-bill-enacting-dental-c…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site