Steps to get licensed in Wisconsin
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Hold CPR/AED certification from a provider approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
- Apply through LicensE, Wisconsin's online licensing system.
- Pass the online exam on Wisconsin dental statutes and rules, which the department sends after it receives your application.
Board exams for Wisconsin licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You take it after you apply.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Wisconsin adds a local anesthesia specialty to your license. You need an accredited local anesthesia certification program and current CPR/AED certification, then you add the specialty in LicensE.
Moving to Wisconsin with a license from another state
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board 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 Wisconsin?
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 8 schools with dental hygiene programs in Wisconsin, all offer an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Wisconsin
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Wisconsin?
Not automatically yet. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Wisconsin require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Wisconsin requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You take it after you apply.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin adds a local anesthesia specialty to your license. You need an accredited local anesthesia certification program and current CPR/AED certification, then you add the specialty in LicensE.
Which clinical exams does Wisconsin accept?
Wisconsin accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- dsps.wi.gov /a-z-professions-list/dental-hygienist/licensu…
- dsps.wi.gov /a-z-professions-list/dental-hygienist/local-a…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board before you rely on them. Official board site