Florida dental hygiene licence
Florida statute allows a graduate of an unaccredited dental school to sit hygiene licensure directly, without first completing a U.S. dental degree. It is the fastest legal route to clinical work in the United States for many foreign-trained dentists — and the narrowest in scope.
This is a hygiene licence, not a dentistry licence.
You would practise within the dental hygiene scope of practice under Florida law. It does not authorise you to practise dentistry, and it does not create immigration status or work authorisation on its own. GoDenta is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice — verify every requirement on the Board's own pages before you pay a fee.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Graduated from a dental hygiene program approved by the board or accredited by CODA (or another hygiene accreditor recognised by the U.S. Department of Education) — OR is a graduate of an unaccredited dental college or school who has completed a minimum of four years of postsecondary dental education and holds a dental diploma comparable to a D.D.S. or D.M.D.
- Passed the required examinations (below).
- Completed electronic fingerprinting — required for this profession following Florida House Bill 975 (2024).
Florida does not have reciprocity with any state and does not issue licences by endorsement or credentials for this profession.
Dental Hygiene National Board Examination (NBDHE)
Graduates of non-accredited dental schools have the option of completing the National Board Dental Examination instead.
ADEX dental hygiene licensing examination
Taken in Florida or another jurisdiction. ADEX scores are valid if taken on or after 1 June 2010.
Florida Laws and Rules examination
Florida-specific statute and rule examination.
- 1
Confirm eligibility
1–2 monthsAt least 18, and either a CODA-accredited hygiene graduate or a graduate of a non-accredited dental school with at least four years of postsecondary dental education and a DDS/DMD-comparable diploma.
- 2
Board examinations
4–9 monthsNBDHE (or NBDE), the ADEX dental hygiene examination, and Florida Laws and Rules.
- 3
Background screening
1–2 monthsElectronic fingerprinting is required for this profession following Florida House Bill 975 (2024).
- 4
Application and fees
1–3 monthsSubmit the Board of Dentistry application with fees and supporting documents.
- 5
Licence issued
1–3 monthsBegin practising within the hygiene scope once the licence is granted.
Sign in and your My Application checklist marks these stages off automatically.
Earliest realistic finish
Dec 2027
8–19 months of work remaining across 5 stages.
- Sep 2026 → Nov 2026
Confirm eligibility
At least 18, and either a CODA-accredited hygiene graduate or a graduate of a non-accredited dental school with at least four years of postsecondary dental education and a DDS/DMD-comparable diploma.
- Nov 2026 → Jun 2027
Board examinations
NBDHE (or NBDE), the ADEX dental hygiene examination, and Florida Laws and Rules.
- Jun 2027 → Aug 2027
Background screening
Electronic fingerprinting is required for this profession following Florida House Bill 975 (2024).
- Aug 2027 → Oct 2027
Application and fees
Submit the Board of Dentistry application with fees and supporting documents.
- Oct 2027 → Dec 2027
Licence issued
Begin practising within the hygiene scope once the licence is granted.