Dental licensing guide

Who licenses dental professionals

Each state has a board of dentistry, sometimes with a separate board for hygienists, that issues licenses, sets the scope of practice and handles complaints. Rules differ by state, so always confirm with the board of the state where you will work. The Nurse Licensure Compact does not cover dental professions.

Dentists

1. Education. A DDS or DMD from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
2. National written exam. The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is the national written exam for dentists.
3. Clinical or alternative exam. States accept a clinical exam from a regional testing agency, a residency or portfolio pathway, or another route. Ask the board which routes it accepts.
4. State jurisprudence and background check. Many boards add a law-and-ethics exam, fingerprints and a background check.
5. Application and fee. Apply to the board of dentistry of the state where you will practice.
6. Controlled substances. If you prescribe, you also register with the DEA and, in many states, with the state controlled substances program.

Dental hygienists

1. Education. An associate or higher degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National exam. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. Clinical exam and jurisprudence. A clinical exam accepted by the state, and a law exam where required.
4. Local anesthesia and other privileges. Whether hygienists may give local anesthesia, nitrous oxide or work under general supervision differs by state, and often needs extra certification.
5. Apply to the state board of dentistry.

Dental assistants

Requirements for dental assistants vary the most. Some states license or register assistants, some allow on-the-job training with limits on what an assistant may do, and many require a radiography certificate. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers national certification, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), and some states accept or require its exams. Expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) usually need a state credential on top.

Moving to another state

• Apply for licensure by credentials (sometimes called endorsement) with the new board. Boards usually ask for an active license in good standing, proof of education and exams, and a clean disciplinary record.
• Expect extra steps: a jurisprudence exam, fingerprints, proof of continuing education and CPR.
• A Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact has been enacted by a number of states to ease practice across state lines. Its rules and start dates vary, so check dentalcompact.org and your board for the current status.
• Start before you accept a start date. Verification and background checks take time.

Documents to gather

• Government photo ID and Social Security number.
• Diploma or proof of graduation from a CODA-accredited program.
• National exam results (INBDE or NBDHE) and clinical exam results.
• Current license numbers and verifications from every state where you hold or held a license.
• Proof of CPR or BLS certification, and continuing education records.
• DEA registration for dentists who prescribe, NPI number and proof of professional liability coverage.
• Work history and references.

Keep reading

• Dental jobs and payPay by profession and state
• All licensing guidesCompact, endorsement and moving
• Endorsement checklistDocuments, steps and timing