2026 nbdhe
candidate guide updates
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
AndyRDH's Dental Hygiene Academy has been the nationwide leader for over 23 years in helping students pass their NBDHE.
Read below to see what changes are coming for 2026!
Changes in 2026 Candidate Guide.
The NEW 2026 NBDHE Candidate Guide has been released by the American Dental Association. No notable changes are being made to the exam until the middle of 2026. While the candidate guide states the official changes will come after October 2026, it also states it may change “mid year.”
New items after 10/26:
For clinical dental hygiene services:
New content being added in 2026:
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Occlusal evaluation
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Emerging technologies
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Documentation and risk management
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Local anesthesia under anxiety & pain control
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Reassessment and evaluation explicitly named
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Notable shifts in 2026:
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Local anesthesia is explicitly named as its own focus
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“Emerging technologies” added in:
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Radiography
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Supportive treatment services
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Documentation and risk management explicitly listed
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Research principles are more clearly defined and separated from community health
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Increased item count in Clinical Dental Hygiene Services (from 115 → 124 items)
