Prepare for the NBDHE ®

Tools and resources to help you prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

Getting ready for success with the NBDHE

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is overseen by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), an independent agency of the American Dental Association, in collaboration with the Department of Testing Services (DTS). Examinations are administered by Pearson VUE at authorized test centers across the country.

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 NBDHE Candidate Guide. Frequently asked questions are covered on the NBDHE home page.

View the NBDHE Candidate Guide (PDF)

View the Common Acronyms and Abbreviations (PDF)

Visit the NBDHE home page

NBDHE Sample Questions (PDF)
Sharpen your skills with questions created by NBDHE test constructors.
Review reference texts
See the texts subject matter experts referenced while writing the exam.
NBDHE tutorial
Learn the essentials that all NBDHE test-takers should know.
NBDHE practice test
You can choose individual modules and or full comprehensive tests.

More test preparation resources

Additional webinars and tutorials

Learn about updates to the NBDHE and other National Board Examinations in this brief webinar.

View now 

You may also want to explore the Pearson VUE examination software to help you navigate the exam format more easily. Use this link to download and install the tutorial so you can become familiar with how it works.

Navigate the tutorial

Day-of-test checklist

This test day checklist is a useful resource as you prepare for your examination. It was created as a summary of the most frequent issues that create complications for examinees on the day of testing. The Department of Testing Services (DTS) encourages you to read the entire guidebook for the test you are taking and to call the DTS at 800.232.1694 with any questions.

  1. I am bringing two original, current (not expired) forms of identification (ID) to the testing center: one government-issued ID, with my photograph and signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport) and one ID with my signature (e.g., Social Security card, credit card, debit card or library card).
  2. The name on my application matches my IDs exactly. I will contact the DTS if there is any possibility of a mismatch. Examples of names that do NOT match: Joseph Anthony Smith and J. Anthony Smith, Joseph A. Smith, or Joseph Anthony Smith-Johnson.
  3. I will leave all non-essential items at home.
  4. I will store all personal items – cell phone, food, candy, beverages, pens, pencils, lip balm, wallets, keys, jackets, etc. – in the assigned locker at the testing center. I understand that I may not access these items during testing or an unscheduled break.
  5. I will double-check my pockets to ensure they are empty before I sign in to test.
  6. I will follow the instructions of the test administrator and the rules of the testing center.
  7. I know what to do if I encounter a problem at the testing center. If I experience a problem with testing conditions, I must notify the test administrator immediately.
  8. I have made arrangements for my ride or to notify my family or friends after I complete my test and have signed out of the test center. I will not use my cell phone or other electronic devices in the test center or during my testing session.

Download the checklist

Reference texts used to create NBDHE questions

This list shows which reference texts have been used in creating NBDHE questions. This may provide a helpful overview for candidates as well as others interested in NBDHE exam content.

View reference texts