Dental Hygiene
Application Procedures/Requirements

Dental Hygienists can be licensed by either "examination" or "reciprocity". These terms are specific to this state, so please read the requirements below:

To qualify for licensure by examination:

1. Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program that requires a course of not less than two academic years;
2. Pass the licensure examination given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) with a score of 75 or above;
3. Pass the licensure practical examination given by one of the following:
   1. Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) scores will be eligible for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken;
   2. Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) scores will be eligible with those exams taken after January 1, 2000 for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken;
   3. North East Regional Board (NERB) scores will be eligible with those exams  taken after January 1, 2002 for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken;
   4. Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) scores will be eligible with those exams taken after January 1, 2002 for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken; or
   5. A state practical examination taken after the effective date of these regulations that the Board of Dentistry has deemed equivalent.

4. Pass a jurisprudence examination that relates to the statutes that govern dentistry with an average score of 75% or above; and
5. Have good moral character and have attained the age of 18 years.

Application Procedures for licensure by examination:

The applicant will need to submit to the Department:

1. Completed Application;
2. An official transcript from an accredited dental hygiene program showing graduation from the school;
3. Official documentation of the scores obtained on the licensure examination given by JCNDE;
4. Official documentation of the scores obtained on either the CRDTS, WREB, SRTA or NERB examination; NOTE: NERB examinees must request that NERB send their scores directly to our Department.  All other regional exam scores are automatically sent to the Department.
5. Completed jurisprudence examination;
6. The required fee of $110.00, unless you are applying within the 6 months prior to the expiration date of the license which is March 1, of odd years then the fee is $27.50; and
7. A copy of a birth certificate, marriage license, driver’s license, or other valid verification of age.

The Department shall act within 150 days upon all completed applications for licensure.

To qualify for Licensure by Reciprocity:

An applicant who is licensed as a dental hygienist in another jurisdiction may apply for licensure by reciprocity if the applicant meets the following requirements:

1. Graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program that requires a course of not less than two academic years;
2. Passed the licensure examination given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) with a score of 75 or above;
3. Passed an examination requiring demonstration of the applicant's skill in clinical dental hygiene procedures;
4. Passed a jurisprudence examination (link to exam) that relates to the statutes that govern dentistry with an average score of 75% or above;
5. Have actively engaged in the practice of dental hygiene for at least 3 years in which one of those three years was within the least three years immediately preceding the date of application for licensure;
6. Provided proof of 15 hours of continuing education that meets the criteria for approval by the Board during the 12 month period preceding the date of application for licensure; and
7. Have good moral character and have attained the age of 18 years.

Application Procedures for licensure by reciprocity:

The applicant will need to submit to the Department:

1. Completed Application;
2. An official transcript from an accredited dental hygiene showing graduation from the school;
3. Official documentation of the scores obtained on the licensure examination given by JCNDE;
4. Official documentation of the scores obtained on either the CRDTS, WREB, SRTA or NERB examination; NOTE: NERB examinees must request that NERB send their scores directly to our Department.  All other regional exam scores are automatically sent to the Department.
5. Completed jurisprudence examination;
6. The required fee of $110.00, unless you are applying within the 6 months prior to the expiration date of the license which is March 1, of odd years then the fee is $27.50; and
7. A copy of a birth certificate, marriage license, driver’s license, or other valid verification of age;
8. Documentation sent directly to the Department from the licensing agencies of all jurisdictions where the applicant is or has ever been licensed;
9. Documentation of being actively engaged in practice of dental hygiene; and
10. Evidence of completion of 15 hours of acceptable continuing education with the preceding 12 month of the date of application.

To qualify for a Local Anesthesia Permit:

1. Have a current license to practice dental hygiene in the State of Nebraska; and
2. Have successfully completed an approved course after July 1, 1994.

Application Procedures:

The applicant will need to submit to the Department:

1. Completed Application;
2. Proof of successful completion of an approved course;
   1. All applicants taking out-of-state courses must provide course syllabus, name and location of institution, and date of course.
3. The required fee of $25.00.

The Department shall act within 150 days upon all completed applications for licensure.