FAQS National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Nbdhe Part 1 

Jan 12 / Claire Jeong, RDH, MS
FAQs National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

"I was so nervous before my exams. I wish I gave myself more time to study!" - Kristeen, IN (successfully passed 2016)

Q: How many questions are there in the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)?
  • There are 350 multiple choice examination questions in total; these can be divided into 2 groups;
  • 200 questions in Component A (Scientific Basis for Dental Hygiene Practice, Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services and Community Health/Research Principles).
  • 150 questions in Component B (12 to 15 dental hygiene patient case studies).

 Q: What is the passing grade?
  • The status of “pass” is granted if you achieve a standard score of 75 or higher.
  • A candidate’s total score is calculated by the total number of correct answers selected by the candidate but is adjusted for any minor differences in difficulty across NBDHE forms.

Q: Will I receive a score?
  • The results for the NBDHE will be reported as “pass” only for candidates who pass the test.
  • Candidates who fail the examination will receive numerical scores for each of the major disciplines covered on the test.

"I studied with StudentRDH only, and I PASSED!" – John, MA (Successfully passed 2015)

Q: How much is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)?

  • NBDHE fee: $440, which includes official score reporting, three dental licensing jurisdictions, and the dental hygiene program director of your dental hygiene school.
  • Rescheduling fee: $25. Rescheduling should take place at least 24 hours before the appointment and within the authorized eligibility period.


Q: What is the schedule on the day of the exam?

The exam day will be scheduled as follows:

• Optional tutorial – 15 minutes

• Session ONE (Discipline-based items, 200 items) – 3.5 hours (plus optional 15-minute scheduled break)

• Optional 30-minute break

• Session TWO (Patient case items, 150 items) – 4 hours (plus optional 15-minute scheduled break)

• Optional post-examination survey – 15 minutes


TOTAL TIME: 9 hours

If you take a break at any other time, it will be considered an “unscheduled” break.

StudentRDH past users report that they received the results about 2 weeks after the examination

Q: When do I get the results?

  • The National Board Examination results are made available approximately three to four weeks after the examination. Results can be viewed online by logging in to the My Account Summary page.
  • StudentRDH past users report that they received the results about 2 weeks after the examination.

Q: How do I study for the NBDHE?

  • There are a few options out there: the live course (if it is available in your area), Mosby and Darby review books, or StudentRDH.
  • Phone apps and other online review courses are NOT complete solutions; they are partial answers to your problem. It is BEST to use a complete review course. If you like the convenience of studying at your own pace, using your phone and computer, StudentRDH is a fantastic option.

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    Related Article: What Is It Like To Be A Dental Hygiene Student 

    (Disclaimer: StudentRDH is NOT affiliated with the NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, WREB.)