Steps to get licensed in Vermont
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Vermont Statutes and Rules exam for dental hygienists.
- Complete an emergency office procedures course and a CPR course within the past 24 months.
- Apply through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation's online licensing system.
Board exams for Vermont licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Vermont 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
Vermont requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Vermont adds a local anesthesia specialty to your license. You need 24 hours of block and infiltration anesthesia training and a regional local anesthesia exam.
Moving to Vermont with a license from another state
Vermont isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont offers an associate degree and a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Vermont
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Vermont?
Not automatically. Vermont isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Vermont require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Vermont requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Vermont?
Vermont adds a local anesthesia specialty to your license. You need 24 hours of block and infiltration anesthesia training and a regional local anesthesia exam.
Which clinical exams does Vermont accept?
Vermont accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- sos.vermont.gov /dental-examiners/statutes-rules-resources
- outside.vermont.gov /dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/profe…
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation before you rely on them. Official board site