Steps to get licensed in Texas
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Complete a state-approved human trafficking prevention course.
- Hold current BLS certification.
- Pass the Texas jurisprudence assessment within the year before you apply.
- Apply to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and complete the fingerprint background check.
Board exams for Texas licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Texas 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
You pass the Texas jurisprudence assessment within the year before you apply for your first license, then again every four years to renew.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Texas issues a separate local infiltration anesthesia certificate. You apply after you're licensed, with current BLS and a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course (or a CODA-accredited hygiene program) and its certification exam. You give it under a dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to Texas with a license from another state
Texas isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 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 Texas?
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 27 schools with dental hygiene programs in Texas, 22 offer an associate degree, 5 offer a bachelor's degree, and 1 offers a certificate. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Texas
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Texas?
Not automatically. Texas isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Texas require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. You pass the Texas jurisprudence assessment within the year before you apply for your first license, then again every four years to renew.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Texas?
Texas issues a separate local infiltration anesthesia certificate. You apply after you're licensed, with current BLS and a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course (or a CODA-accredited hygiene program) and its certification exam. You give it under a dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does Texas accept?
Texas accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- tsbde.texas.gov /licensing/hygienists/hygienist-license-by-exam
- tsbde.texas.gov /licensing/hygienists/administration-of-local-…
- tsbde.texas.gov /licensing/jurisprudence-assessment
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site