Exam overview

SRTA offers dental hygiene candidates the complete manikin-based exam, which adequately and reliably evaluate the hands-on clinical skills of the hygiene candidates. Candidates must check their state’s acceptance of these exams.

SRTA is a well-established licensing agency that administers its comprehensive clinical exam to determine if candidates are properly prepared to transition to the next level of their education processes through this trusted assessment.

SRTA will waive the cost of the retake of one section of the dental hygiene exam if the candidate is not successful in their initial exam.

SRTA’s dental hygiene licensing exam consists of:

• Detecting various types of dental calculus and recognizing when a surface is free of calculus
• Completing a partial oral prophylaxis while preserving the integrity of surrounding tissue
• Completing a partial periodontal assessment by recording of periodontal pocket depths
• Optional: Computerized Intra/Extra Oral Examination* consisting of 50 multiple choice questions with an overview ranging, but not limited to the following topics: Radiography, Oral manifestations and diseases, and Healthy tissue management

*Please check with the individual state boards regarding licensure requirements for application

The exam is judged by specific criteria and scored on a “Pass/Fail” basis. Successful completion of a section is contingent on a passing score of 75 or more of the specified criteria in all procedures.

Each candidate must furnish all necessary examination materials and instruments identified by the candidate’s SRTA number (assigned prior to the examination). The candidate’s name or school information does not appear on any material. The examiners at all sites are experienced practitioners with diverse backgrounds. The examiners are calibrated and standardized prior to each examination and are evaluated to assure grading to established criteria.

On day one of the examination, candidates taking the complete examination are required to register prior to orientation and are expected to attend the orientation session/presentation where specific instructions for the exam will be given. An opportunity for questions and answers will be provided after the presentation is completed. Only candidates registered for the examination are permitted to attend the orientation session. Candidates failing to attend the orientation session will not be given separate instructions. Candidates must review the orientation presentation online, print and fill out the forms from the Candidate Packet prior to registration. Forms may be printed double-sided.

For any additional questions or comments, please contact the SRTA office directly at 757-318-9082 or at [email protected]