National Board Dental Hygiene Examination

Department of Testing Services Transitions to a New Software Infrastructure Platform

The Department of Testing Services’ transition to a new software infrastructure platform  has been completed.  We appreciate your patience during our service interruption period (March 14-April 3). As we work to restore services as quickly as possible, please bear in mind our earlier communications concerning anticipated delays. As noted within those communications, the total processing time to fulfill requests could be up to seven weeks. 

For example, if a score report request was received one week before the service interruption, the total processing time for this request could require between 6 and 7 weeks (i.e., 3 to 4 weeks of standard processing plus the 3 week outage).  

The following services will experience delays:
• Score report requests
• Score processing
• DENTPIN® requests/updates/retrievals
• Application processing

As anticipated, we are currently experiencing a high volume of activity and phone calls due to the backlog surrounding the service interruption.  Please consult our earlier communications to understand timeframes concerning how the service interruption affects any requests you may have submitted.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please know that staff is working diligently to fulfill requests as quickly as possible. 

Step 1: Read the NBDHE Guide   

Please review the NBDHE Guide, specifically the Eligibility Requirements, Rules of Conduct, Test Regulations, Irregularities/Appeals, Testing Procedures, the Testing Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions. During the application process you will be asked to confirm that you have read the Guide and agree to the rules and regulations contained within the document. Candidates are responsible for understanding the information contained within the Guide. Candidates who violate examination regulations may have their exam scores voided and wait up to two years to retest.     

• NBDHE Guide (PDF)
• Arbitration Agreement (PDF)  
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Test Day Checklist (PDF)
• NBDHE Released Items Order Form  (PDF)  

Step 2: Obtain a DENTPIN® and Apply for the Examination (No Refund)

The name on your IDs must match exactly with the name on your application. If the name on your application and your IDs do not match exactly, you will be denied admission to testing and, as a result, forfeit your scheduled testing appointment and your application fee. You will be required to submit a new application.

Before you can apply to take the examination, you must obtain a DENTPIN. Click here for more information on DENTPIN^®.

Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (no exceptions). Your credit card will be charged when you submit your application.

• NBDHE Application Instructions (PDF)
• NBDHE Electronic Application
• National Board Exam Accommodation Request (PDF)

Electronic Notification of NBDHE Eligibility
When your NBDHE application has been processed, you will receive an e-mail notification of your eligibility for testing and further instructions from education@ada.org. (Please check your spam folder if unable to locate the notification, especially Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo accounts.)

Step 3: Schedule a Time to Take the Examination

The computer-based NBDHE is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Failure to comply with the rules and regulations may result in your examination results being voided, your fees forfeited, and you may be prohibited from testing for up to two years.

You must apply to take the NBDHE and receive your eligibility notice prior to scheduling your testing appointment with Pearson VUE.

Advance Scheduling

Computer-based examinations are scheduled and administered on an individual basis.

To increase the likelihood you will receive your first choice of date, time and location, you should schedule your testing 60 to 90 days before the desired testing date. You may schedule your testing appointment with Pearson VUE upon receipt of your eligibility email or letter.

Rescheduling Testing Appointments

You may reschedule your testing appointment directly through Pearson VUE. There is a $25 fee to reschedule.

Canceling Testing Appointments

Canceling your testing appointment will result in a complete forfeiture of your examination fee  (as noted in Step 2 above, examination fees are nonrefundable).

• Sample Test Items (PDF)

Step 4: Take the Examination at a Testing Center

The computer-based NBDHE is administered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers in the United States; it’s territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in Canada.

An interactive tutorial is available to download on the Pearson VUE Web Site. The NBDHE tutorial provides information to successfully navigate through the items and case materials in the examination. The case images can be enlarged on screen 6 of the tutorial by clicking the magnifying glass (Zoom In) a maximum of three times. The tutorial is provided at the Pearson VUE Test Centers prior to taking the examination.

As noted in Step 2 above: The name on your IDs must match exactly with the name on your application. If the name on your application and your IDs do not match exactly, you will be denied admission to testing and, as a result, forfeit your scheduled testing appointment and your application fee. You will be required to submit a new application.

Candidates with concerns about scheduling, testing conditions, or any unresolved problem should inform the Test Administrator before leaving the test center. For issues requiring further action, candidates must contact the JCNDE office within five business days of the testing appointment.

Step 5: Score Reports and NB Certificates

The application fee includes a score report for you, the dean of the accredited dental school you are attending or have attended and three dental licensing boards if requested on your application.

• Score reports are processed approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
• Additional score report requests are processed approximately four weeks after receipt of the request.
• Request for additional score reports cannot be fulfilled until your examination is scored, which is approximately four weeks after your testing appointment. 
• Your score report will be mailed to the address indicated on your application.

The mailing address for your score report will be printed on the Notice of Completion (received at the completion of the testing session). You must check the accuracy of your mailing addresses and contact the JCNDE office within five business days to report any corrections.

You can send additional reports to: dental schools, other institutions, dental licensing boards, or send a report to yourself. Designate on the electronic form below where you want to send an additional score report or download and complete the PDF document below.

• Request Score Report (Electronic)
• Request Score Report (PDF)

To order a National Board Certificate, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:

• Purchase a National Board Certificate (PDF)

To have your examination results audited, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:

• Audit Request Form (PDF)

Contact Information
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611-2637
800-232-1694
Email:  nbexams@ada.org