The NDHCB™ was developed in response to a priority concern of Canadian dental hygienists. In 1982, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) began to investigate a certification process to enhance portability (the ability of dental hygienists to become licensed or registered in all Canadian jurisdictions) through a nationally recognized credential. The NDHCB™ was formed in 1994 and given the mandate to develop and administer a National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination™ (NDHCE™).

The FDHRC™ was incorporated in 2017, creating an organization in which provincial regulatory colleges would collaborate to provide national leadership on issues concerning the protection of the public interest with respect to the profession of dental hygiene. In doing so, it also provided a forum for networking and information exchange among Canadian dental hygiene regulatory authorities.

In March 2021, the FDHRC™ and the NDHCB™ announced the intent to amalgamate into a single national entity. Through amalgamation, operations and governance structures are streamlined, allowing the combined organization to ensure the protection of the public, while providing the same professional leadership and quality assurance as always. The two organizations shared vision is for the NDHCE™ to remain a top priority, carrying out exam development and administration in the robust and reliable fashion for which it is known. The amalgamated organization will also continue its commitment to national leadership in dental hygiene regulation for the protection of the public.