NBDHE Exam Requirements

To take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), you must meet several key requirements:

1. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program or be a student in good standing graduating within 12 months.
2. Obtain a DENTPIN® for identification and application.
3. Complete the necessary application and payment of $490.

This article will guide you through eligibility, application steps, exam content, and more.

What is the NBDHE?

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is a pivotal milestone for aspiring dental hygienists in the United States. Administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), this examination ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to practice dental hygiene competently and safely.

Who Needs to Take the NBDHE?

If you are pursuing a career in dental hygiene, the NBDHE is essential. Graduating from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved dental hygiene program qualifies you to sit for the exam. Successful completion is often required for state licensure.

Why is the NBDHE Important?

The NBDHE assesses critical competencies in dental hygiene, helping maintain high standards in the profession. Passing the NBDHE means you have met nationally accepted benchmarks, ensuring you are well-prepared to serve the public effectively and ethically.

Eligibility Criteria for the NBDHE

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the NBDHE, you must meet specific educational criteria:

• Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program: Your program must be accredited by CODA, ensuring you have received the proper education.
• Students soon to graduate: If you are within 12 months of graduation from a CODA-accredited program, you can also sit for the exam.

Obtain a DENTPIN®

A unique personal identifier known as DENTPIN® is necessary for application:

• What is a DENTPIN®? This identifier is essential for any dental education process in the U.S., including the NBDHE. It helps track your application, exam, and credentialing processes seamlessly.
• How to get a DENTPIN®? Register on the American Dental Association (ADA) website to obtain your DENTPIN®. Ensure the name and birthdate on your IDs match your DENTPIN® information to prevent any discrepancies on the test day.

Additional Requirements for International Graduates

If you hold international credentials, ensure to complete a Course-by-Course evaluation through Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Submit an electronic report of your credentials to the JCNDE for validation.

Application Process for the NBDHE

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Register and Obtain your DENTPIN®: Start by visiting the ADA website and register to get your DENTPIN®.
2. Complete the Application: Visit the NBDHE section on the ADA website. Ensure all information matches your DENTPIN® registration details accurately.
3. Submit Required Documentation: Include your completed application form, educational transcripts, and any additional documents required, especially if you have international credentials.
4. Pay the Examination Fee: The current fee for the exam is $490. Payments must be made online using a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).

Pro Tip for Timely Submission

Apply early to ensure a convenient test date and location. Delaying your application might reduce your options due to limited testing slots available.

Examination Fee and Payment Information

Detailed Fee Breakdown

The NBDHE exam costs $490. This fee covers the application processing and the administrative costs associated with the exam. Payment options include:

• Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express are accepted.
• No Checks or Money Orders: Only electronic payments are accepted.

Financial Assistance and Discounts

While there isn’t a widespread financial aid program specifically for the NBDHE, exploring scholarships or financial assistance through your dental hygiene program could be beneficial.

Structure and Content of the NBDHE

Exam Format and Sections

The NBDHE is structured to comprehensively test your knowledge through two main sections:

• Discipline-Based Component: This section consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Key subjects include:
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Dental and Medical Emergencies
  • Dental Hygiene Sciences
• Case-Based Component: Making up the remaining 150 questions, this section presents patient scenarios that test practical application and critical thinking. You’ll face questions that resemble real-world dental hygiene cases, ensuring you’re ready for practice.

Types of Questions

The exam includes various question formats:

• Single Best Answer: Choose the best answer from multiple choices.
• Paired True/False: Determine which statements are true or false.
• Multiple Option Responses: Select multiple correct answers, presenting more complex problem-solving tasks.

Reviewing the Exam Content

Thoroughly reviewing core subjects is essential to excel. Focus on:

• Biochemical processes and their relevance to dental health.
• Recognizing and managing dental emergencies.
• Applying dental hygiene principles effectively.

Benefit of Case-Based Scenarios

Case-based questions simulate practical, clinical situations. Successfully navigating these scenarios demonstrates your ability to implement theoretical knowledge into practice.

Preparing for Success

Familiarize yourself with the question format and content by utilizing resources like ADA’s practice questions and review books. Effective preparation can significantly boost your confidence and performance on the exam day.

In conclusion, understanding and navigating the requirements of the NBDHE not only prepares you for the exam but also sets you up for a successful career in dental hygiene. Your journey toward becoming a licensed dental hygienist is marked by meeting these standards, ensuring you are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the field.

Feel free to explore further services and guidance on your career journey by visiting Dental Hygienist 101’s Services.

Study Resources and Preparation Tips

Recommended Books

To effectively prepare for the NBDHE, having the right study materials is crucial. Here are some top-recommended books:

• “Mosby’s Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene”: This esteemed review series offers extensive practice questions and detailed subject reviews, making it one of the most reliable resources.
• “Saunders Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene”: Another excellent resource that provides in-depth coverage of all exam topics with hundreds of practice questions to help reinforce your knowledge.

Online Resources

Beyond traditional books, online platforms also offer beneficial study aids. Consider exploring:

• Quizlet: This tool provides valuable flashcards and practice tests tailored to the NBDHE content. The convenience of digital study aids allows you to revise anywhere, anytime.
• ADA Sample Questions: The ADA offers practice questions that mirror the format of the NBDHE. Utilizing these can help familiarize you with the type and structure of exam questions.

Study Strategies

Preparing for the NBDHE requires more than just good resources; effective study strategies are equally important:

• Create a Study Schedule: Break down your study material into manageable sections and allocate specific times for each. Consistency is key.
• Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can offer new insights and provide mutual support. Exchange notes, quiz each other, and discuss challenging topics.
• Practice Regularly: Make use of practice exams to test your knowledge. This helps gauge your readiness and highlight areas needing improvement.

Scheduling the NBDHE Exam

How to Schedule

Once you’re ready to take the NBDHE, scheduling your exam is the next step:

1. Create an Account on Prometric: Begin by creating an account on Prometric’s website, the testing services provider.
2. Choose Your Preferred Date and Location: Prometric offers various dates and testing locations. Early booking is advisable due to limited slots.

What to Expect on Test Day

Understanding the exam day process can alleviate some anxiety:

• Biometric Verification: Be prepared for a biometric verification process, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph.
• Identification Requirements: Bring two forms of ID, including one government-issued ID with your photo and signature. Ensure that your name matches what was provided during application.

Policies on Examination Day

Allowed and Prohibited Items

Adhering to the test center regulations is crucial:

• Allowed Items: Bring only essentials like your IDs. Water and personal medications are permissible with prior approval.
• Prohibited Items: Electronic devices, including cell phones and watches, are strictly prohibited. Personal items should be stored in designated lockers.

Conduct During the Exam

Maintain professional conduct throughout the exam:

• Follow Test Center Rules: Adhere to the regulations set by Prometric. Unscheduled breaks are allowed, but accessing personal items during breaks is not permitted.
• Emergency Situations: In case of emergencies that prevent you from attending, contact the JCNDE promptly. You may request relief within five business days of the missed appointment.

Passing Scores and Result Reporting

Understanding the Scoring System

Achieving a passing score on the NBDHE is essential to move forward:

• Minimum Score Requirement: A scaled score of 75 is needed to pass the exam. The scoring system ensures that the results are consistent and fair.
• Result Availability: Results are typically released within 3-4 weeks after the exam date. Candidates receive their scores via the ADA’s online portal.

Report and Feedback

The feedback you receive can be pivotal:

• Pass/Fail Notification: You’ll get a simple pass or fail notification. Detailed performance feedback is available if you didn’t pass, helping you identify weak areas for improvement.

Retaking the NBDHE

Guidelines for Retaking

If you didn’t pass the NBDHE on your first attempt, here’s what you need to do:

• Waiting Period: You must wait 90 days before you can retake the exam. There is a maximum of three attempts allowed without special permissions.
• Reapplication Process: You will need to submit a new application and pay the exam fee again. Ensure all details are correctly filled out to avoid delays.

Additional Tips for Success

• Review Feedback: Focus on the areas highlighted in your performance feedback.
• Utilize New Study Resources: If certain materials weren’t effective the first time, consider trying alternative resources or joining study groups for additional support.

Conclusion

Navigating the NBDHE exam requirements is essential for your journey toward becoming a licensed dental hygienist. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing with the right resources, and knowing what to expect on exam day, you can set yourself up for success. Stay dedicated and utilize the strategies outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your professional goals.

If you’re looking to explore the next steps after passing the NBDHE, visit NBDHE After Passing.