Steps to get licensed in Pennsylvania
- Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Complete 3 hours of board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training.
- Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.
Board exams for Pennsylvania licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Pennsylvania 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
- Not required
Pennsylvania doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Pennsylvania issues a separate local anesthesia permit on top of the hygiene license.
Moving to Pennsylvania with a license from another state
Pennsylvania has a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact bill pending but hasn't joined yet.
Pennsylvania offers licensure by credentials when your state reciprocates with Pennsylvania. Act 41 also lets the board endorse licensees in good standing from states with substantially equivalent requirements. 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania, all offer an associate degree and 1 offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Pennsylvania
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Pennsylvania?
Not automatically. Pennsylvania has a compact bill pending but isn't a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact member yet. Pennsylvania offers licensure by credentials when your state reciprocates with Pennsylvania. Act 41 also lets the board endorse licensees in good standing from states with substantially equivalent requirements. How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Pennsylvania require a jurisprudence exam?
No. Pennsylvania doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania issues a separate local anesthesia permit on top of the hygiene license.
Which clinical exams does Pennsylvania accept?
Pennsylvania accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- pa.gov /agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boar…
- pa.gov /agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boar…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site