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.
Step 2: Obtain a DENTPIN® and Apply for the Examination
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).
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).
NBDHE Blackout Dates
Please check here for future blackout dates.
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.
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 examination fee includes reporting the official score to you, to the dental hygiene program director and to three dental licensing boards, if they are requested on the application. Your score report will be mailed to the address indicated on your application four weeks after your testing appointment.
If you want to report scores to additional institutions, dental licensing boards or want an additional report for yourself, the fee is $25 for each additional report. Designate where to send an additional score report on the electronic form below or download and complete the PDF document.
You can send additional reports to: dental
institution(s), dental licensing board(s), or send a report to yourself.
To order a National Board Certificate, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:
To have your examination results audited, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:
Contact Information
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611-2637
800-232-1694
Email Us
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