Prepare for the DHLOSCE

Tools and resources to help you prepare for the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

Getting ready for success with the DHLOSCE

The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) is the governing body for the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination. The JCNDE works collaboratively with the ADA Department of Testing Services (DTS) to administer National Board Dental Examinations.

Below you will find helpful tools and resources that can assist you in preparing for your upcoming examination. For complete details on the examination, refer to the DHLOSCE Candidate Guide. Frequently asked questions are covered on the DHLOSCE home page.

DHLOSCE Candidate Guide (PDF)

DHLOSCE Acronyms and Abbreviations (PDF)

DHLOSCE Administration Windows

The DHLOSCE is administered in testing windows, with candidates permitted one administration per window. The JCNDE would be happy to coordinate with specific dental hygiene education programs if the program has candidates who would like to test, but the dates below do not work.

TESTING WINDOW 1
First Day of Testing	Dec 1, 2025
Last Day of Testing	Jan 18, 2026
Results Available No Later Than	March 4, 2026
TESTING WINDOW 2
First Day of Testing	Feb 3, 2026
Last Day of Testing	April 26, 2026
Results Available No Later Than	June 12, 2026
*TESTING WINDOW 3 (Retake only)**
First Day of Testing	June 3, 2026
Last Day of Testing	Sep 26, 2026
Results Available No Later Than	Three to four weeks after a candidate attempts the examination.

*“Retake only” windows are available only to candidates who have attempted the DHLOSCE previously and failed.

DHLOSCE Fact Sheet (PDF)

Get a comprehensive overview of the DHLOSCE.

Apply

Learn more about the application process.

Volunteer

Lend your talents to future applicants for this or other examinations.