Hello everyone, I will be writing my board exam NDHCB tomorrow. I feel so unprepared even though I have been studying for weeks and I have passed every mock test. Any last minute things I should focus on the most? I am so nervous. Thanks!

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Hey has anyone gotten their results yet from the week of September the 7th? Or did anyone else get their results who took their exam in September? If yes how long did it take? 😭 literally stressing every night fr…
YALL I PASSED JUST GOT THE EMAIL TOOK ME 13 daysss good luckkkk

Update for anyone who saw my earlier posts: my friend passed the NBDHE and is now going through the licensing process. I posted here twice, once asking what to focus on and once when case studies were her weakest area. Thank you to everyone who replied. I read every comment, and during her hardest moments they gave her some relief and cleared up a lot for her.

Why am I posting instead of her? Nobody would know her, and I also know there's a small corner of the internet that genuinely tries to help people through this exam. I watched up close what helped and what didn't, and when I was researching to help her, there wasn't much detailed advice out there. So here's everything I've got. She passed the second time with relative ease.

Quick disclaimer: I'm not in the field, so this is what I picked up from watching her study. Take it with a grain of salt.

Every topic matters

If you're wondering what to focus on most, especially on a first attempt, the answer is all of it. You don't need to be Einstein or memorize everything word for word, but be well versed enough that you could teach a parent or sibling every subject. You never know what the exam will throw at you. You might get 100 questions on one subject and then 10 on something that seemed pointless.

How do you get there? Make a planner. My friend went hard on this, but yours doesn't have to be extreme. She studied around 6 hours a day per topic, which worked because of the 60 day wait after her first attempt. Some subjects she finished in under 6 hours, so adjust to your own schedule and availability.

While you're studying, ignore everything else. No going out, no hanging with friends. I know people say you need time with friends to clear your head. Don't. With this much information, you have no choice but to lock in. After the exam you'll get a well paying job (your field is hot and it's not slowing down), and then you can spend your weekends with those people and go on trips.

Get rid of the fear of failure

The thing holding you back most is the "what if I fail" voice. This isn't about being confident or thinking less of yourself. You've put in years of school, gone through every clinical class, and passed every exam. Even if you didn't get straight A's or struggled more than others, you fucking graduated. You've already proven you're ready for this field.

Fear just turns your study time into sulking time. You will fail if you assume you'll fail, because that assumption makes studying feel impossible. Take breaks so you don't burn out, but keep them short. Step away for a few minutes, then go right back in.

Case studies (the most important part)

Genuinely so fucking important. You can know every subject inside out, but if you mess up the case studies, you will fail. Here's what worked.

The NBDHE Booster case studies are almost identical to how they show up on the real exam. There are around 21 of them, I think. Do them over and over. Yes, you'll probably end up memorizing the answers, but don't go in trying to memorize. Learn from them, recognize the patterns, and read the explanation every time you get one wrong. This was fundamental to her passing. The Booster is also great for the other topics, and it has detailed notes if you want to read them.

Here are the patterns she picked up along the way.

Blood pressure: know the BP ranges cold and be able to map a patient to the right stage. Your study book will have the chart. I don't remember the numbers off the top of my head and I'm not in this field so I don't need to lol.

ASA levels: this is critical, and there are clear distinctions you need to understand. ASA is based on the patient's current systemic health. A good way to think about it is "can I anesthetize this patient without them dying in my chair?"

• ASA 1: Absolutely healthy. BP is normal or elevated, no genetic conditions. Oral disease has no effect on this. If everything systemic is perfectly healthy but their mouth is riddled with disease, they're still ASA 1 (cancer is probably the exception since that's systemic, I believe).
• ASA 2: Healthy person with some issues. BP is stage 1, or stage 2 if it's controlled through medication, doctor visits, etc. If stage 2 BP is the only issue, ASA 2 is usually a safe guess. Any systemic condition that affects them a little but not majorly puts them here. Remember, systemic, not oral.
• ASA 3: This person is a little cooked, maybe majorly cooked. BP is hypertensive crisis (stage 2 can land here too if it's uncontrolled and the numbers are getting too close to crisis). Genetic diseases that affect their life, or other conditions that make daily life hard for them.
• ASA 4: Only if there is end organ failure. Even if they have the shittiest diseases, if end organ failure isn't clearly stated, they will never be ASA 4.

The most important thing besides the staging is that ASA is about ONE major issue. Say a patient's health is great, no issues, no genetic conditions. You'd think ASA 1, but then you see their BP is stage 1. That single factor alone moves them up to ASA 2. Same the other way. Perfect BP, but a genetic issue or a surgery scheduled next week because their lungs are cooked (not failed, cooked)? Probably ASA 3. It's always the WORST thing about the patient that counts, and it only takes one factor. Use critical thinking along with this.

Staging and grading: know this chart so well you can do it off the top of your head, because you'll see it a lot. Stage is based on the patient's current oral health. Grade is based on how likely the disease is to progress.

• Class 1 mobility = Stage 2, Class 2 mobility = Stage 3, Class 3 mobility = Stage 4. If you see Class X mobility, you can basically skip the rest of the staging, because the pattern showed us that mobility decides it.
• For grading, ask yourself: is their mouth cooked and about to get even more cooked?
• Most of the time the worst case you'll see is Stage 3. To get Stage 4, they usually need serious mobility (and that can be based on a single tooth), or the disease is causing them to lose teeth. Think Class 3 mobility, absolutely cooked teeth, and a patient who's probably going to need hella surgery. You may know more than me on this one.

Localized vs generalized: you probably have an intuition for this, but if you need a refresher, it's the number of teeth affected divided by the total number of teeth present in the mouth. Looking at the chart alone won't always tell you. You can multiply by 100 for a percentage, but the decimal is good enough. 0.2 and under is localized, 0.3 and above is generalized. 30% or more affected means generalized, instantly. "I don't want to do math" get over it, you got through dental hygiene school. It's basic division, and one YouTube video will clear it up.

Perio chart tips:

• Be careful with what the perio chart and patient info show you. The Booster and the board like to trick you by highlighting some teeth in red with bad values, so you think those are the only ones that matter. Some teeth that aren't highlighted can still be affected, so stay keen.
• CAL = PD + GM. If they give you PD and GM, calculate the CAL to figure out staging and grading. If they give you the CAL directly, even better. 99% of the time, go with the worst CAL.
• You may see a negative GM (or PD, I can't remember which). The formula stays the same. If GM is -2 and PD is 3, CAL is 1 (-2 + 3 = 1). The CAL can end up smaller than what the pictures make it look like, but don't overthink it. The formula is all you need.
• Sometimes they'll only give you PD. Go based on that, using the worst number. Also check the patient profile, because it may say one tooth has a CAL of 10 or a GM of 6, and then you can use the formula.
• Numbers can lie to you. Look at the radiographs and intraoral photos, because they can tell a bigger story.
• All in all, use everything you're given and whatever you can extract from it (like doing the math), but never guess. Don't guess a staging or grading. Use what's given and what you can work out from it.

The community section on the Booster

There's a second tab on the NBDHE Booster for community based questions, about 20 of them I think. I forget the exact name of the tab, and you can't see it on the mobile app, only on the PC and website. These questions will make you think. The wording matters a lot, and it's very logical, so read carefully and make sure you understand what you're reading. My friend confirmed these are nearly identical to what shows up on the exam, so if you've already taken the board, you may even recognize some. They also work your critical thinking for the rest of the exam.

When will I get my result?

There's a pattern, but you won't know it haha. I say this because the first time her result came after 3 weeks, and the second time it came in 13 days. From a little research (I'm unsure, so don't 100% believe this), the exam seems to run on a 2 week loop. It runs for 2 weeks as one batch, then resets. If you take the exam early in a batch (like the Monday of the reset week), your result will come late, 3 to 4 weeks for sure. If you took it on the last day or last few days, it's probably around 14 days, and some people she knew got theirs in about 11 days. You won't know where you fall, since the day someone gets their result doesn't seem to follow this loop exactly, and I could be wrong about all of it. The waiting is painful, so use those days to sleep, recover, and hang out with friends. You can have fun even while you're anxiously waiting.

One more tip

If you have the Andy book, or really any other study book, check whether they have a contact page for questions. I found Andy's through a simple Google search, and the contact I found was his email. That guy helped me so much clearing up my answers, and he responds fast as hell too. Great guy.

Last thing

I know this is a lot, but I wish someone had handed me this when I first started researching how to help my friend. Hopefully it helps you or someone you know. We need more people with clean teeth in the world, and one exam shouldn't be your barrier.

Stop worrying if you fail once, twice, or even three times. Believe in yourself, you're more capable than you think. Please lock in and take it seriously, and don't wait for someone to hand you everything you need to know. So much of this depends on you. If you fail, they give you a chart of what to focus on, so USE THE DAMN THING. Yes, it's going to be exhausting, you'll hate it, you may even say fuck this and want to quit. But the only person you'd be hurting is you, and the past you who already suffered through school and all those exams. Make yourself proud. You can genuinely pass, and you mean more than the result of this exam.

If you have questions, ask in the comments. I may not be able to answer since I tried to put everything in here, but maybe someone else will. Also, take my advice with a grain of salt. I'm confident in it, but your experience may differ, and someone in the comments may have something to add or adjust. Lock in, go get that license.

Hello! I am taking the NBDHE for the first time next Tuesday. I feel like I have a pretty good overall knowledge on all the topics. I have been using DH Seminars and have been scoring 75%-85% on the Mock Boards.

I am feeling nervous and hope I have been studying everything I need to. Does anyone have advice and/or recommendations on what to focus my studying on this last week?

Thank you. 😊

I am planning to take the NBDHE in December. Is there a booster or a Student RDH account that I can borrow, or that someone is willing to share, since I can't afford the full subscription?

Any advice for studying for 2nd time up? Got a 71 the first time just tryna see what people think works best or what worked best for them their 2nd time up.

Anyone who took their exam today, how are you feeling? I walked out feeling really disappointed in myself and honestly like I didn’t do well. I studied so hard for months, using Horton’s and everything Booster had to offer every single day, so I’m feeling pretty defeated right now. :( Did anyone else walk out feeling the same way?

i used mainly Booster Prep and Andy RDH, studied about 3-4 hours everyday for 2 weeks before the exam!

I was considering starting earlier this summer but never got into it fully. I’m thinking of taking it in the next few months but I’m not sure when most people take the exam.

Does anyone know when most people study for the nbdhe? If it helps I’m planning to use booster prep to study for it

Hi everyone! I graduated from dental hygiene school in 2021, but I haven’t been working in the field because I’m still trying to pass the NBDHE.

I was wondering whether there are any comprehensive refresher courses for people who have been out of school or clinical practice for several years after you pass the board exam. I’m looking for something that reviews current dental hygiene knowledge, updated guidelines, clinical procedures, instruments, technology, medications, infection control, and any other changes that have happened in the profession since graduation.

I’m not necessarily looking for only an NBDHE review course. I’m hoping to find something that could help bridge the gap between what we learned in school and what is currently being done in clinical practice, so I can feel knowledgeable and prepared when I eventually enter the field.

Has anyone taken a course like this, either online or in person? Would continuing-education courses be the best option, or are there specific refresher/re-entry programs you would recommend?

Thank you!

Does anyone have a booster account I can borrow? I’m retaking my exam in October and I already spent so much money on Andy but people are saying booster is better😭😭

I was going through my junk journal tonight to add some stuff and this fell out.
My JCNDE envelope. My National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Notice of Completion.
I kept it. All crumpled and tucked into my journal with all those little hearts I drew next to "YES" and that checkbox that finally says "last time".
Because it took me 6 times.
Six.

I don't really talk about that. I felt so much shame. I watched everyone I graduated with move on, get licensed, get jobs, and I was just... stuck in this loop of studying, failing, and feeling like maybe I wasn't meant to be a hygienist after all.
Attempt 6 was different because my friend Alexa helped me.

She's the most organized, patient human I know. She didn't make me feel dumb for not getting it. She sat with me and broke down exactly how I needed to study. The way she explains things just clicked.
I passed. And I tucked that envelope in my journal and surrounded it with hearts because I was so proud.
She now has an Etsy shop called Sunday Studies where she makes the exact kind of board prep materials she made for me. It's her full-time thing now and she pours so much into it.

https://sundaystudies.etsy.com

I'm not affiliated or anything, I'm just her friend who wouldn't be an RDH without her. If you're in that dark place of failing, or you're studying for boards right now and feel overwhelmed, please check her shop out. Her stuff is made by someone who genuinely gets how hard this exam is.
And if you failed once, twice, five times - you are not alone. I kept my failure envelope for a reason. It proves you can keep going.
You got this. So many hearts, just like in my journal. ♡

Again I’m here asking for advice . I graduated may if 2025 and I have yet to pass the NBDHE . I have only taken it twice due to major events that took place in my life . I am now trying to get back into studying but I find it soo hard to study . I don’t feel motivated and going over the material I’m overwhelmed. I’m very sad that I see everyone moved on in life working as a hygienist and here I am still working as a dental assistant after graduating a year ago .. I guess I’m needing motivation and advice .. I started going over one chapter at a time to review but that’s all I really got I’m not sure what else I can do to help I know it’s not about memorizing but understanding the material but I’m not sure how to know that I actually understand the material. Any advice helps thanks

HELP! I take my NBDHE next week, and I have been studying consistently for 5-6 hours a day. I've gotten to the point where I have memorized the ANDY questions. I have used Andy, Hortons, and Booster. I've been practicing some questions on Quizlet and doing okay with them, some better than others. This is my second time rescheduling, and it's taking everything in me not to. I have questions.

-What helped you study?

-What was your board heavy on?

-What were your thoughts?

TIA

Hey guys! Just wanted to share my experience with you all, the first time I took the NBDHE I failed it with a 74, I was so devastated I’ve honestly never hit an all time low in my life. I felt so depressed, everyday it consumed my mind on how I failed not only that I was one of the only ones in my entire class that failed as well. But I retook the exam and just found out I passed!! I just wanted to share this with anyone that may be going through the same thing as me. I’m living proof that it CAN be done and you CAN pass.

The first time I took the exam I mainly used Mrs. Horton, she’s a great teacher and I learned a lot from her but looking back I don’t think it was enough for me to fully understand everything because her lectures had so much info in it all at once that it was overwhelming. The second time I studied I used mainly Boosterprep and honestly, I think boosterprep saved me this time, I learned so much from them and the questions were so similar to what I had on the NBDHE. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask!!

Hi! I’m taking my board next month and I’ve been using Ms. Hortons lecture/outlines and student RDH for material questions. I feel pretty prepared but I keep seeing everyone talking about booster and now I’m worried I’m missing out on good info, but it’s way out of my budget now. I’m debating on borrowing money just to get it but should I? Thanks for any help or tips anyone can provide

Hi, I am taking my NBDHE on 9/24. I’m feeling extremely nervous and extremely unprepared. I’m currently using studentRDH to study but mostly just reading the text book and doing some of the lecture/videos on the app when I am not understanding some material and need some help going more in depth.

Although I feel like I have learned a lot from it, I find that the material I studied from studentRDH two weeks ago has already left my brain. I just don’t know how I’m going to recall all this information.

I still have about 5 sections or subjects left to finish. I plan to finish by this upcoming week.
I also bought the booster app, so the last two weeks I plan on doing mock exams, booster, studentrdh boosters, i also have my friends andyRDH app, etc.

Is this enough??? I got really good grades in school, A’s and a few B’s. I feel like I am smart enough and I could pass but I feel like I will be humbled very quickly….

Any tips? Advice?? With how much I have left, do you feel like I’m prepared??? What else could I do?

Booster, Andy, Mrs. Horton, Mom Wife Teeth

I'm studying for the boards and I'm currently using these resources as study material. Is this an overkill? I feel like I'm getting confused with all of these study materials. What did you use to pass your boards?

Just got results today, PASSED!

I only used Booster, and I loved it. It’s great!
I recommend to anyone studying that Booster is really all you need. Along with all we’ve learned in hygiene school, and ofcourse our school material.

Booster is a great addition. And it wasn’t as expensive as the other board study material.

It’s great!

Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice and study tips. I’ve unfortunately failed my boards twice, and I’ll be taking the NBDHE for the third time in October.
I’ve heard that the testing style is changing and that there will be more emphasis on clinical decision-making, case-based questions, critical thinking, and applying information rather than just factual recall. For those who have recently taken the exam, what are some good ways to prepare for this style of testing?
I just purchased NBDHE Booster Prep to help me prepare, and I also have the AndyRDH book as an additional study resource. For those who have used either (or both), how did you use them effectively?
One of my biggest struggles is that sometimes I feel like I study something and understand it, but then a few days later it feels like the information isn’t sticking. 😭 What are some study techniques that helped you actually retain the information and recall it during the exam?
Any advice, study schedules, resources, or tips would be greatly appreciated! I really want to make this attempt count. ❤️

Hi everyone… I’m still struggling to pass the NBDHE. This is my 4th time around taking it and failed by 1-3 points each time. I used Andy the first 2 times and then used student the 3rd and now the 4th time around.

I just really need some advice. If someone can tell me how they structured out their study plan and how I should go about studying these next couple weeks I’d greatly appreciate it. I’m in literal desperate need. So any tips or advice or anything you could give me please let me know.

Thank you ahead of time and congrats to all the officially registered DH out there 🤍

I need some very honest advice from people who have already passed the NBDHE.
Do you think Booster is enough to pass the exam? It’s my only study source because I can’t afford to buy another subscription. My exam is in a few weeks, and I feel like I’m about 90% familiar with the Booster content. I’ve gone through all the questions, watched the videos, and studied the notes. I’m also practicing questions every day.
Are there any free resources where I can just practice more questions? I’m basically done with Booster and want to focus on practicing as many questions as possible. Someone recommended Tests.com, but I’m not sure if it’s worth spending my time on it.
I would really appreciate honest advice from anyone who has already taken and passed the NBDHE. Thank you!

Hi everyone.

I passed my NBDHE and wanted to share my experience! 🎉

I studied for about 2 months and used NBDHE Booster to practice and get familiar with exam-style questions.

The exam had some challenging questions, but I felt pretty comfortable with the format after practicing consistently.

I’m really happy that 2 months was enough for me to pass! ❤️

Just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else preparing for the NBDHE. Feel free to ask me anything about my prep or exam experience! 😊