Steps to get licensed in Tennessee
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence exam.
- Hold current BLS certification for healthcare providers with an in-person skills test.
- Complete a criminal background check and apply to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Board exams for Tennessee licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Tennessee 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
Tennessee requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Tennessee issues a separate local anesthesia certification. You need a board-approved certification course before you give local anesthesia.
Moving to Tennessee with a license from another state
Tennessee is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. 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 Tennessee Department of Health 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 Tennessee?
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 10 schools with dental hygiene programs in Tennessee, 7 offer an associate degree and 3 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Tennessee Department of Health reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Tennessee
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Tennessee?
Not automatically yet. Tennessee has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Tennessee Department of Health about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Tennessee require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Tennessee requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Tennessee?
Tennessee issues a separate local anesthesia certification. You need a board-approved certification course before you give local anesthesia.
Which clinical exams does Tennessee accept?
Tennessee accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- tn.gov /health/licensure/den.html
- publications.tnsosfiles.com /rules/0460/0460-03.20210718.pdf
- tn.gov /content/dam/tn/health/documents/PH-0915.pdf
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Tennessee Department of Health before you rely on them. Official board site