NBDHE Exam Dates and Test Centers 2025–2026: Complete Guide

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is the final step before becoming a licensed dental hygienist in the United States and Canada. If you’re planning to take the exam in 2025 or 2026, understanding how test dates and centers work is essential for stress-free registration. Unlike many exams, the NBDHE does not have a fixed calendar with specific dates. Instead, it is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers across North America, giving you flexibility in choosing when and where to test. This guide covers everything you need to know about exam dates, test center locations, registration, and scheduling strategies for 2025–2026.

⏰ NBDHE Exam Dates 2025-2026

The NBDHE is available throughout the year, which means you can book your test date once you’ve received your eligibility notice from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).

Testing runs nearly every week of the year and you select your exam date directly with Pearson VUE once eligible. Peak testing months are typically:

• March–June (before summer graduation)
• September–December (before application deadlines)

To secure your preferred date, we recommend registering at least 2–3 months in advance.

👉 Tip: While the exam is flexible, test centers fill up quickly during peak seasons. Booking early ensures you get both the date and location you want.

🏙️ NBDHE Test Centers

The NBDHE is administered exclusively at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States and Canada. You can find a test center near you by following the steps below:

1. Visit the Pearson VUE website.
2. Search for “NBDHE.”
3. Enter your city, state, or postal code.
4. Browse available centers and choose one close to you.

While there are hundreds of Pearson VUE centers, many NBDHE candidates test in major cities, including: 

• United States: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, Houston, Denver.
• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton.

👉 Tip: Availability varies by center. Smaller cities may have limited seats, so students in high-demand areas (like New York or Toronto) should book even earlier.

💰 NBDHE Registration and Fees

Before you can choose a test date or center, you must complete the registration process:

1. Apply through the JCNDE and pay the exam fee.
2. Receive eligibility notice once your application is approved.
3. Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.

Exam Fee: $490 USD (subject to change — always confirm on the JCNDE website).

Rescheduling fee: Applies if you change your date too close to the exam.

📈 Choosing the Best Exam Date and Test Center

Here are some proven strategies from successful dental hygiene students:

• Avoid peak months (March–June, September–December) if possible.
• Morning vs. afternoon slots: Choose the time of day when you’re most alert.
• Location matters: Pick a test center close to home or school to avoid long commutes.
• Visit beforehand: If possible, drive to the center a few days before your exam to familiarize yourself with the route and parking.
• Book early Fridays & Saturdays: These dates fill up the fastest.

💳 What to Bring on Exam Day

• Two forms of acceptable ID (driver’s license, passport, or government ID).
• Confirmation of your Pearson VUE appointment.
• Comfort items allowed by Pearson VUE (e.g., foam earplugs if permitted).

👉 Prohibited: Phones, watches, bags, study materials. Lockers are provided at most centers.

🥇 After You've Scheduled

Once your exam date is locked in, your next priority is preparation. The NBDHE covers:

• Scientific Basis for Dental Hygiene Practice
• Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services
• Community Health & Research Principles
• Case Studies (patient scenarios)

With so much content, starting early is key. Students who follow a structured study plan with practice questions and case simulations perform significantly better. That’s why tools like NBDHEBooster are designed to give you realistic practice questions, study schedules, and detailed explanations that mirror the actual exam.

👉 Conclusion

The NBDHE exam in 2025–2026 offers year-round scheduling at Pearson VUE centers, giving you flexibility to choose the time and place that works best. But because seats fill quickly, especially in large cities and during peak seasons, it’s smart to register well in advance.

Once you’ve chosen your test date, the focus shifts to preparation. With the right study plan and resources, you’ll be ready to pass the NBDHE on your first try and take the next step in your dental hygiene career.

👉 Ready to start preparing? Check out NBDHEBooster and get access to everything you need to succeed — practice questions, study schedules, and case studies all in one place.