With the recent passage of SB 146 which allows certification of dental hygienists to administer local anesthetics in North Carolina, the Board has developed temporary rules and a process to receive certification. Click here for the process and instructions on how to submit your documents.

Attention all Applicants!!

Background checks are required for ALL license applications. The NC Board of Dental Examiners now participates in LiveScan fingerprinting for all North Carolina residents. See information on criminal background checks here.

Please note that once your application is received by the Board office, the process takes at least 90 days.

North Carolina does not have reciprocity with any other state. The Board offers Licensure by Credentials for qualified individuals, effective January 1, 2003.  A copy of the rule and the statute covering this type of licensure is included in the application packet.  Click below to download.

Download Dental Hygiene Licensure by Credentials Application

Rules for Licensure by Military Endorsement/Military Spouse went into effect September 1, 2013.

Download the Application for Dental Hygiene Licensure by Military Endorsement/Military Spouse

All candidates for licensure in this state who do NOT qualify for Licensure by Credentials or Military Endorsement are required to participate in written and clinical examinations.

Written examinations are offered on-line in two subject areas: infection control/sterilization and North Carolina jurisprudence.  The only acceptable clinical exams are the ADEX Dental Hygiene or the CITA Dental Hygiene exam.  Both written and clinical exams must be passed before a license will be issued.  Passing either the written or clinical exam alone does not fulfill requirements for licensure.  No candidate may engage in the practice of dental hygiene until the license is issued and properly displayed as required by 21 NCAC 16I .0109.

• A provisional license enables a dental hygienist to practice dental hygiene in this State under the supervision of a specific dentist licensed in North Carolina if applicant is unable to meet requirements for dental hygiene licensure. It is not a stopgap while waiting for and it cannot be obtained any quicker than a dental hygiene license.

• To be eligible for a provisional license, a dental hygienist must hold a license in another state and have passed a clinical exam.

• A provisional license will be valid for one year or until a full license is issued. The provisional license may not be renewed or extended for any reason.

• Verification of  licensure from any and all states in which the candidate is licensed is required. All verifications of licensure must include the signature of the Board’s secretary and the Board’s seal. An original license or copy of the license is not acceptable.

• The application fee for a provisional license is $60.00 (non-refundable).

• The dentist with whom the candidate intends to practice must send a letter verifying employment before the provisional license can be issued. Click here for form letter to be signed by supervising dentist.

• All applicants must take and pass the jurisprudence test and the sterilization/infection control test with a minimum grade of 80 before receiving the provisional license.  This test is administered online.

• It is not necessary to have employment before taking the written exams but supervising dentist letter is required before license can be issued.

• Any dental hygienist who has failed any portion of the ADEX exam is not eligible for a provisional license.  By the same token, if a provisional license holder fails any portion of the ADEX exam, their provisional license immediately becomes null and void.

In addition, the Board reserves the right to further test any applicant who applies for a provisional license in order to be assured of his or her clinical proficiency.