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CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination (simulated patient / patient-based)

Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS; merged with SRTA as CRDTS+SRTA)

Format

Simulated patient (manikin) exam with a written OSCE on a tablet; a patient-based format is also offered

Fee

$1,175

Passing standard

75 or more of 100

Retakes

On-site retake the same weekend at no fee; retake at a future site $1,175; all portions are retaken

Given by

CRDTS at host schools

Sections

• Extra/Intra Oral Assessment Written OSCE: 16 questions, 15 minutes
• Calculus detection, scaling/subgingival calculus removal, periodontal probing, 120 minutes

What it covers

• Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE · 16 points
  • Head, face and neck
  • Lymph nodes, TMJ
  • Oral mucosa/lips
  • Alveolar ridge
  • Palate and oral pharynx
  • Tongue
  • Floor of the mouth
• Calculus Detection · 12 points
• Scaling/Subgingival Calculus Removal · 60 points
  • 12 surfaces at 5 points
• Periodontal Probing · 12 points
  • 2 teeth, 6 aspects each, within 1 mm

Notes

Outline is the 2026 simulated patient manual. Patient-based format components (exam page): Extra/Intra Oral Assessment, Scaling/Subgingival Calculus Removal, Periodontal Probing, Supragingival Deposit Removal; point values not confirmed for 2026. State acceptance list NOT confirmed (CRDTS portability map unreadable; CRDTS says 'over 40 states'); ADHA's July 2024 chart is the latest tabulation found. School site fee is separate.

Sources

• https://www.crdts.org/DentalHygiene
• https://crdts.org/viewdocument/57dd76b2-d8fd-46ea-b3c3-996ede246ce3
• https://www.crdts.org/FAQ
• https://crdts.org/srta
• https://crdts.org/assets/PDFs/Jan%202025%20Merger%20Press%20Release.pdf
• https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_Examinations_7-2024.pdf

Checked 2026-10-03.