Steps to get licensed in South Carolina
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the South Carolina Dental Practice Act (jurisprudence) exam online (70% to pass).
- Apply to the South Carolina Board of Dentistry with exam scores, transcripts, and fees.
Board exams for South Carolina licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, South Carolina 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
South Carolina requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
South Carolina issues a separate local infiltration anesthesia certification after a board-approved course. Nitrous oxide monitoring needs its own certification.
Moving to South Carolina with a license from another state
South Carolina isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
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 South Carolina, all offer an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the South Carolina Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in South Carolina
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to South Carolina?
Not automatically. South Carolina isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the South Carolina Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does South Carolina require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. South Carolina requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in South Carolina?
South Carolina issues a separate local infiltration anesthesia certification after a board-approved course. Nitrous oxide monitoring needs its own certification.
Which clinical exams does South Carolina accept?
South Carolina accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- llr.sc.gov /bod/licensure.aspx
- llr.sc.gov /bod/exam.aspx
- llr.sc.gov /bod/faq.aspx
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the South Carolina Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site