NBDHE 2025 Guidelines Update: What You Really Need to Know

Apr 23 / Claire Jeong, RDH, MS
If you’re preparing for the 2025 National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), knowing the latest updates can make or break your study plan. With a 22–24% failure rate in recent years, it’s more important than ever to focus on what matters most—and avoid the traps that trip up so many students. 

In this quick guide, I’ll walk you through the high level updates to the 2025 NBDHE structure, what the exam looks like now, and what strategies will actually help you pass. But if you want the full scoop—including the complete video replay (1:08 minutes of Claire walking through the guideline) —you’ll need to sign up below 
🔥 Why This Exam Update Matters 

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: 

Up to 1 in 4 candidates fail the NBDHE. 

And the #1 reason? 

👉 Case studies.This isn’t just about memorizing facts anymore. The 2025 exam is designed to test how you think, not just what you know. That’s why the smartest way to study isn’t always the most obvious. 

📊 How Is the NBDHE Structured? 

The NBDHE is split into two main sessions, totaling 9 hours (including scheduled breaks). Here’s the high-level breakdown: 

📚 Session 1: Discipline-Based Component 

🕒 3.5 hours | 💬 200 Questions

You’ll be tested on foundational knowledge, including: 

• Basic Sciences 
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology, Oral Pathology, Infection Control 
• Clinical Procedures
• Community & Public Health

🟡 Pro Tip: Many students find this section tricky because the answers aren’t always black-and-white. We’ll show you how to think your way through it. 

👀 Want more details, Including the number of points in each topic, and what you should focus on when studying? Enroll in our free Webinar to get the full recording!

🦷 Session 2: Case-Based Component

🕒 4 hours | 💬 150 Questions 

These are in-depth, real-life patient scenarios. Each case includes: 
• Patient profile 
• Chart notes 
• Radiographs 
• Clinical photographs 

Questions test your ability to assess, plan, and make informed decisions. 

❗ 43% of the exam is case-based. This is where students struggle the most—and where we focus the most in our VIP coaching sessions. 

NBDHE FAQs

⏰ How Long Do You Actually Need? 

Technically, you have 9 hours. But most students finish in about 4–5 hours. 

Here’s our advice at StudentRDH: 
• ✅ Don’t rush—you’ll make avoidable mistakes 
• ✅ Don’t drag it out—your brain burns out 
• 🧠 Aim for the sweet spot: 5 to 7 hours total 

And yes, breaks are built in—but how and when you use them can seriously affect your performance. We break it all down in the full version of this blog. 

️ ⚠️What Happens If You Fail?

We don’t want to dwell on failure, but let’s be real: 
• You’ll need to pay the full fee again (over $600) 
• There’s a mandatory 60-day wait 
• After 4 failed attempts, you must reapply for eligibility 

💡 Pro Tip: At StudentRDH, we offer free extensions until you pass and support you with tutoring, score analysis, and more. 

👀 Want to See the Full Breakdown? 

✅ Question distribution 
✅ What not to study anymore (yes—film-based radiography is out!) 
✅ How the scoring scale works 
✅ Time management tips from real students 
✅ And a peek inside StudentRDH’s mock exam platform 

💥 Get the Full Blog + Watch the Webinar Replay
Sign up below and you’ll send you instant access to: 
✅ The link to the full blog with ALL OF THE DETAILS you need to succeed!
🎥 Register for the FULL FREE Webinar 

The 2025 NBDHE is tough—but you’re tougher. 

With the right prep, a smart plan, and a little support, you can pass the exam on your first try. 

💥 Get the Full Ebook + Watch the Webinar Replay 💥

Are You Ready To Get Started Studying?

Sign up for the FREE TRIAL or FULL membership, and start getting ready for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam today!

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

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