200+ Free NBDHE Practice Questions
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Key Facts: NBDHE Exam
350
Scored Questions
JCNDE NBDHE Candidate Guide 2026
9h
Total Testing Time
JCNDE NBDHE Candidate Guide 2026
75
Passing Scaled Score
JCNDE NBDHE Candidate Guide 2026
$600
Exam Fee
JCNDE NBDHE Candidate Guide 2026
12-15
Case-Based Patient Scenarios
JCNDE NBDHE Candidate Guide 2026
221,600
Dental Hygienist Jobs (US)
BLS OOH May 2024 employment estimate
JCNDE's 2026 candidate guide lists the NBDHE at 350 scored questions, a 9-hour total testing time, a scaled passing score of 75, and a $600 exam fee. For exams scheduled on or after the anticipated October 2026 blueprint update, JCNDE lists 56 scientific-basis questions, 124 clinical-services questions, 20 research/community-health questions, and 150 case-based questions (12 to 15 patient cases), with added emphasis on local anesthesia and emerging technologies.
About the NBDHE Exam
The NBDHE is the national written board exam used for dental hygiene licensure decisions across all U.S. jurisdictions. The test includes discipline-based items and case-based patient scenarios focused on clinical judgment, safety, and evidence-based care.
Questions
350 scored questions
Time Limit
9 hours total testing time
Passing Score
Scaled score 75
Exam Fee
$600 (JCNDE / ADA DTS / Pearson VUE)
NBDHE Exam Content Outline
Scientific Basis (56/350)
Biomedical sciences, oral pathology, pharmacology, infection prevention, and foundational risk concepts
Provision of Clinical Services (124/350)
Assessment, radiography, care planning, preventive services, and periodontal/implant maintenance decisions
Research Principles & Community Health (20/350)
Epidemiology, screening indices, appraisal of evidence, and population oral-health program planning
Case-Based Component (150/350)
Integrated clinical judgment across 12-15 patient cases, including medically complex and ethical scenarios
How to Pass the NBDHE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score 75
- Exam length: 350 questions
- Time limit: 9 hours total testing time
- Exam fee: $600
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NBDHE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NBDHE?
The current JCNDE guide lists 350 scored questions for the NBDHE. The exam combines discipline-based questions with case-based patient scenarios.
How long is the NBDHE exam?
JCNDE lists total testing time at 9 hours. Candidates should train for endurance and pacing, not only content recall.
What is the passing score for NBDHE?
NBDHE results are reported on a scaled score system, and the published passing point is 75.
What is the NBDHE exam fee in 2026?
The 2026 candidate guide lists the NBDHE fee as $600, with scheduling handled through Pearson VUE after eligibility is approved via ADA DTS/JCNDE workflows.
What NBDHE content changes are expected in October 2026?
JCNDE's 2026 guide describes an anticipated blueprint update for exams scheduled on or after October 2026, including explicit weighting for research/community-health content and added emphasis on local anesthesia and emerging technologies.
Is NBDHE accepted for licensure everywhere in the U.S.?
Yes. JCNDE states the NBDHE is accepted for dental hygiene licensure by all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.