Apply for NBDHE^®

All candidates will take the NBDHE at a testing center operated by Pearson VUE, an official vendor of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and the Department of Testing Services (DTS). Follow these steps to schedule your examination.

1. Create or manage your personal identification number (DENTPINⓇ). First-time test takers must have a DENTPIN to apply for the NBDHE and complete all steps related to the examination. Use the link below to set up your DENTPIN.

Note that If you have already applied for or taken a different national board dental examination, you may already have a DENTPIN. Log in here to retrieve or edit information linked to your DENTPIN (such as your name).

Manage your DENTPIN

2. Review the NBDHE Candidate Guide, with special focus on eligibility requirements, rules of conduct, examination regulations, and the testing center procedures.

View the guide (PDF)

3. Submit your test application to the JCNDE. Your eligibility to apply must be confirmed by your dental hygiene program director. Alternatively, you may submit proof of graduation from an approved dental hygiene education program.

Please note:

• Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. There are no exceptions. Your credit or debit card will be charged when you submit your application.
• The name on your IDs must match exactly the name on your application or you will be denied admission to the test. If you are denied admission, you will need to submit a new application and your previous fee will be forfeited.

4. After your application is reviewed, you will receive an eligibility email from the JCNDE, confirming that you are ready to schedule your examination and outlining next steps for scheduling your test. If you don’t receive this email, please check your spam folder before contacting the JCNDE.
5. Create a Pearson VUE web account (first-time test-takers only).

Create your account

6. Use your Pearson VUE credentials to schedule your examination date.

Schedule your examination

For information about the examinations and how scores are reported, download and review the NBDE Frequently Asked Questions About Scoring (PDF).