Steps to get licensed in Oregon
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Oregon Board of Dentistry jurisprudence exam.
- Complete Oregon's one-hour pain management course.
- Apply to the Oregon Board of Dentistry with transcripts, exam scores, and fees.
Board exams for Oregon licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Oregon 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
Oregon requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Oregon issues a separate local anesthesia endorsement. You need a board-approved local anesthesia course and a separate endorsement application.
Moving to Oregon with a license from another state
Oregon isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Oregon 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 Oregon?
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 6 schools with dental hygiene programs in Oregon, 4 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 Oregon Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Oregon
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Oregon?
Not automatically. Oregon isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Oregon Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Oregon require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Oregon requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Oregon?
Oregon issues a separate local anesthesia endorsement. You need a board-approved local anesthesia course and a separate endorsement application.
Which clinical exams does Oregon accept?
Oregon accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- oregon.gov /dentistry/pages/apply-license.aspx
- oregon.public.law /rules/oar_818-021-0020
- oregon.public.law /rules/oar_818-035-0040
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Oregon Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site