The ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination is an important part of the process for becoming a licensed dental hygienist in the United States. The exam covers all areas of the scope of practice and is graded by licensed dentists and dental hygienists.
The ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensing examination was designed and developed by a group of dental education experts. It is a comprehensive examination in which a candidate must demonstrate skills within the dental hygiene scope of practice on a live patient.
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The ADEX Dental Hygiene Exam (ADEX) is a comprehensive, computerized exam overseen by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA). The ADEX evaluates the dental hygiene knowledge and skills of candidates seeking licensure to practice dental hygiene. The exam consists of nine sections covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical conditions related to dental hygiene; nutrition; preventive dentistry; periodontics; clinical procedures; management principles and ethics; radiography interpretation; instrument sharpening, and selection/fabrication/placement technique. Each section includes several questions such as multiple choice, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank items.
ADEX stands for the American Dental Hygiene Examination board.
If you are preparing for other dental licensing examinations, our ADC practice test covers similar clinical competency areas and can help reinforce your knowledge of restorative and periodontal procedures.
Students planning to pursue specialty programs after passing the ADEX should also consider taking the ADAT practice test to evaluate their readiness for advanced dental education admissions.
Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), which absorbed CDCA-WREB-CITA in an August 2025 merger. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), which absorbed CDCA-WREB-CITA in an August 2025 merger. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), which absorbed CDCA-WREB-CITA in an August 2025 merger. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Prepare for the ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
The adex dental hygiene exam is a national licensure examination administered by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA). It is required for hygienists to practice in 46 states. The ADEX exam is a two-hour computer simulated clinical exam that tests up to 120 multiple-choice questions. It uses simulated patients, radiographs, study model images and laboratory data to test your knowledge of dental hygiene.
The NBDHE is the standard examination for licensure of dental hygienists in most states. It is an evaluation of the basic dental hygiene science, clinical practices and responsibilities, community health and research applications.
The CITA - ADEX examination consists of two components: the Computer Simulated Clinical Examination and the Patient Treatment Clinical Exam. Each component requires a passing score of 75% or greater.
Candidates for licensure in this state must pass a written and clinical examination before they can apply for a license. The written exams are offered on-line and are in two subject areas: infection control/sterilization and North Carolina jurisprudence. The ADEX or CITA clinical dental hygiene exam must also be passed.
Once you obtain your dental hygiene license, you will need to renew it on a yearly basis. The process is similar to other types of professional licenses. You will need to submit a renewal fee, a statement that you have completed the required continuing education, a CPR card and other documents as needed.