Steps to get licensed in South Dakota
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within five years.
- Pass the South Dakota jurisprudence exam (70% to pass).
- Hold current CPR certification (AHA Healthcare Provider or equivalent).
- Apply to the South Dakota Board of Dentistry at least 30 days before a board meeting.
Board exams for South Dakota licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, South Dakota 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 Dakota requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
South Dakota issues a separate local anesthesia permit. Nitrous oxide and anesthesia-monitoring permits are separate too.
Moving to South Dakota with a license from another state
South Dakota isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the South Dakota 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 Dakota?
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. The one school with a dental hygiene program in South Dakota offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the South Dakota Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in South Dakota
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to South Dakota?
Not automatically. South Dakota isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the South Dakota Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does South Dakota require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. South Dakota 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 Dakota?
South Dakota issues a separate local anesthesia permit. Nitrous oxide and anesthesia-monitoring permits are separate too.
Which clinical exams does South Dakota accept?
South Dakota accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- sdboardofdentistry.org /Hygienist/Apps/index.asp
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/south-dakota/ARSD-20-43-03-08
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/south-dakota/ARSD-20-43-03-09
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the South Dakota Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site