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Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DHLOSCE)

Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE)

Format

Computer-based OSCE, no patient or manikin; 150 questions in four sections; includes 3D models; 7 h 35 min total appointment; given in testing windows

Fee

$575

Passing standard

Pass/fail; scale 49 to 99, 75 is the minimum passing score

Retakes

One attempt per testing window; after five attempts or five years, one attempt per six months

Given by

Prometric

Accepted by

Arizona, Kentucky, Oregon (Colorado pending), per the 2026 candidate guide

Sections

• Section One: 37 questions, 90 minutes
• Section Two: 38 questions, 90 minutes
• Section Three: 37 questions, 90 minutes
• Section Four: 38 questions, 90 minutes

What it covers

• 1. Assessment, Interpretation, Evaluation, and Reevaluation · 45%
  • 1.1 Medical, Dental, and Psychosocial History (measured throughout)
  • 1.2 Soft Tissue Evaluation (15%)
  • 1.3 Hard Tissue Evaluation (15%)
  • 1.4 Periodontal Assessment (35%)
  • 1.5 Hard and Soft Deposits (20%)
  • 1.6 Radiographic Technique (15%)
• 2. Dental Hygiene Care Planning and Evidence Based Treatment · 55%
  • 2.1 Infection Control (10%)
  • 2.2 Dental Hygiene Care Planning (25%)
  • 2.3 Pain Control (15%)
  • 2.4 Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy and Adjunctive Therapy (40%)
  • 2.5 Medical Emergencies (10%)

Notes

Guide updated 08/04/2026. Launched 2025. The $575 fee is described as introductory pricing for 2026 administrations.

Sources

• https://jcnde.ada.org/dhlosce
• https://jcnde.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/jcnde/files/dhlosce_candidate_guide.pdf

Checked 2026-10-03.