The NBDHE Certification: Your Key to a Successful Dental Hygiene Career

Passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is vital for those seeking to become licensed dental hygienists in the US. The NBDHE, which the Joint Commission gives on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), assesses the clinical and fundamental knowledge required for beginning dental hygiene practice. The examination has two primary parts: a written and a clinical assessment. Candidates’ comprehension of dental hygiene concepts, including their scientific underpinnings, clinical methods, community health, and professionalism, is evaluated in the written section. Further, Prepare for the NBDHE exam with confidence. NBDHE Exam Schedule | NBDHE Raw Score Conversion | NBDHE Results Time | NBDHE Results Login.
Preparation for the NBDHE typically involves a comprehensive study of dental hygiene concepts, a review of dental anatomy and physiology, and practice with sample questions. Successful completion of the NBDHE is a prerequisite for licensure in most states, with passing scores set by the JCNDE. Upon passing the examination, candidates must submit licensure applications to their respective state boards or regulatory agencies. The NBDHE certification process underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of dental hygiene practice and ensuring the competency of licensed dental hygienists in providing quality oral health care to patients. Also, you can Prepare for the NBDHE exam with confidence. NBDHE Exam Schedule | NBDHE Raw Score Conversion | NBDHE Results Time | NBDHE Results Login.
Exam Content
The NBDHE assesses candidates’ knowledge across three major subject areas:
- Basic Sciences – This section covers anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and physiology. It aims to test your understanding of the essential health and dental sciences that provide the foundation for dental practice. You can expect approximately 60-100 questions from the basic sciences.
- Clinical Sciences – This section covers emergency care, oral diagnosis, oral radiology, pain control, restorative dentistry, and treatment planning. It evaluates your ability to apply scientific knowledge to clinical dental practice. Expect 60-100 questions on clinical science topics.
- Community Health & Research – This section tests your grasp of dental public health, epidemiology, health care policy and ethics, and scientific inquiry. You’ll get around 60-100 questions from community health and research.
In total, the NBDHE is comprised of around 300-400 multiple-choice questions. You are given 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the computer-based exam. Each of the three subject areas receives equal emphasis and weighting in the assessment. Additionally, Prepare for the NBDHE exam with confidence. NBDHE Exam Schedule | NBDHE Raw Score Conversion | NBDHE Results Time | NBDHE Results Login.
Studying and Preparing
Adequate preparation is crucial in passing the NBDHE exam. Here are some recommended study materials and strategies:
- Review the exam outline and content areas. Review the exam outline to understand the content areas covered and the percentage of questions for each section. Focus your study plan on your weaker areas.
- Use official study guides. Invest in the official ADEX study guide and practice exam. The guide covers all test topics, and the practice exam gives you an accurate idea of the test format and difficulty level.
- Take practice exams. Taking practice exams from official or third-party providers is one of the best preparation methods. Time yourself under actual exam conditions. Review your errors and focus further on weak areas.
- Study dental textbooks. Review textbooks to strengthen your basic, preclinical, and clinical sciences knowledge. Make flashcards of key concepts. Focus on understanding and being able to apply the concepts.
- Join a study group. Studying with other exam takers allows you to share knowledge, quiz each other, and get different perspectives. But make sure some study time is dedicated to independent work.
- Understand exam question types. Familiarize yourself with the types of multiple choice, key facts, and case-based questions you will encounter. Practice analyzing each question stem carefully.
- Master test-taking strategies. Brush up on strategies like pacing, educated guessing, and the process of elimination. These can make a big difference in maximizing your score.
- Ask your school for recommendations. Speak to faculty and previous test takers from your dental school for their advice on preparation materials and strategies.
NBDHE Exam Schedule | Prepare For The NBDHE Exam
With diligent preparation using recommended study guides, practice questions, textbooks, and simulated exams, you can feel confident going into the NBDHE. Focus your study plan on comprehending concepts and hone your test-taking skills. Prepare for the NBDHE exam with confidence. NBDHE Exam Schedule | NBDHE Raw Score Conversion | NBDHE Results Time | NBDHE Results Login.