National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) Details
The NBDHE is managed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations NBDHE is managed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
For Dental Assistants, click here
Eligibility (Click to Expand/Collapse)
Exam Details (Click to Expand/Collapse)
- NBDHE is a comprehensive 350-item exam that lasts for one day.
- The passing score is 75.
- The result of the exam are mailed six to eight weeks after the exam.
- If a candidate fails three times, there is a one year waiting period.
Component A
- Basic Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Radiology
- Community Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Dental Anatomy & Occlusion
- Dental Materials
- Instrumentation
- Nutrition
- Oral Pathology (Oral Diagnosis)
Component B
150 questions based on dental hygiene patient cases
Exam Contents (Click to Expand/Collapse)
Scientific Basis for Dental Hygiene Practice:
- Anatomic Science (15 items)
- Physiology (4 items)
- Biochemistry and Nutrition (7 items)
- Microbiology and Immunology (11 items)
- Pathology (13 items)
- General (5 items)
- Oral (7 items)
- Pharmacology (10 items)
Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services
- Assessing Patient Characteristics (16 items)
- Obtaining and Interpreting Radiographs (14 items)
- Planning/Managing Dental Hygiene (34 items)
- Performing Periodontal Procedures (19 items)
- Using Preventive Agents (9 items)
- Providing Supportive Treatment Services (7 items)
- Professional Responsibility (17 items)
Community Health & Research Principles
- Promoting Health and Preventing Programs ( 5 items)
- Participating in Community Programs (11 items)
- Analyzing Scientific Literature, Understanding Statistical Concepts and Applying Research Results (8 items)
National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) Study Guide

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