NBDHE Test

When and Where is it Taken?

Once your application has been approved, you will be sent an email with instructions to schedule your exam. This exam is scheduled through Pearson VUE. They have testing centers scattered throughout the U.S., its territories, and Canada.

Tests can be scheduled year-round at date and time convenient to you. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins to allow for proper sign in time. Those who arrive late will not be allowed to test.

What Should I Bring?

You will need to bring two valid and current forms of identification. One needs to be primary and contain your name, signature, and photo. The second ID should be a secondary form and contain your name and signature. The name on each should match the name entered on your application information.

The exam is taken using a computer. As such, you will not need to bring any personal items into the testing site with you. This includes any electronic devices, study materials, and a calculator. Any such items will be kept in a designated locker during the test.

What is Covered?

The NBDHE is made up of 350 multiple choice questions. These consist of two types of questions: discipline-based questions and case-based questions.

There are 200 discipline-based items containing the following areas:

• Scientific Basis for Dental Hygiene Practice 60 items
• Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services 116 items
• Community Health/Research Principles 24 items

The other 150 items will be case-based. These will refer to 12-15 dental hygiene cases you will be presented with. Of these cases you will have at least one of the following types of patients:

• Geriatric
• Adult-periodontal
• Pediatric
• Special Needs
• Medically Compromised

The case-based items will address the following knowledge and skills areas:

• Assessing patient characteristics
• Obtaining and interpreting radiographs
• Planning and managing dental hygiene care
• Performing periodontal procedures
• Using preventative agents
• Providing supportive treatment service
• Professional responsibility

You are given a total of nine hours to take this exam. Three and a half hours are given for the 200 discipline-based items, with a 15-minute break after the first 100 questions. After all 200 items are complete, you will be given a 30-minute break. Then you are given another four hours to complete the 150 case-based items, with a 15-minute break about half-way through.

How is it Scored?

Scores are scaled on a range between 49 and 99. A score of at least 75 is passing. Those who pass the exam will receive a score report stating that they have passed only. Those who fail will receive numerical scores for each major area of the exam.

Score reports are made available three to four weeks after your completed exam. These can be viewed through your ADA accounts summary page.

How to Prepare?

Mometrix wants to help you prepare for this exam. We know it important to your future. That is why we have designed a study guide and flash cards to ensure you understand everything the exam will cover.

These tools will also include sample questions formulated just as the actual test questions will be. This is to ensure that you know exactly what to expect when you sit down to test. Don’t leave this up to chance. Get your crucial NBDHE study materials here.