How Much Does a Dentist License Cost by State? (2026)
GetLicenseMap Team··8 min read
Dental licensing costs include state board fees, clinical exam expenses, and credential verification charges that can add up to several thousand dollars. Across the 51 jurisdictions we track, total initial licensing fees range from $1,640 to $2,840, with an average of roughly $1,893. Understanding the full fee landscape can help you plan your budget before applying.
This guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of Dentist licensing costs. All data is sourced from the same official records that power our individual state pages — no estimates or guesses.
Cost at a Glance
- Government fees range from $1,640 to $2,840 across 51 states with data
- Average initial fees: $1,893
- Cheapest state: Indiana ($1,640)
- Most expensive state: Nevada ($2,840)
- Education / training hours range: 3–3 hours
- All 51 tracked states have confirmed fee data
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What Drives Dentist Licensing Costs?
The total cost of dentist licensure includes several components. Not every state charges for all of these, which is why costs vary:
- Application fee: The fee paid to the state licensing board to process your application. Every state charges this, though amounts vary considerably.
- Exam fee: If your state requires a state-specific or national exam, this fee is paid to the testing provider. Some states include exam costs in the application fee.
- License issuance fee: A separate fee charged by some states when your license is actually issued after approval.
- Background check fee: Many states require fingerprint-based background checks as part of the licensing process.
- Renewal fee: Ongoing cost to maintain your license, typically due every 1–4 years depending on the state.
Cheapest States for Dentist Licensing
The following states have the lowest total government fees for dentist licensure based on our data:
#1Indiana
$1,640
total government fees
#2Mississippi
$1,640
total government fees
#3Wyoming
$1,665
total government fees
#4Arkansas
$1,690
total government fees
#5Florida
$1,690
total government fees
Most Expensive States for Dentist Licensing
These states have the highest total licensing fees. Higher fees do not necessarily indicate more rigorous requirements — they reflect each state's administrative cost structure:
#1Nevada
$2,840
total government fees
#2North Carolina
$2,790
total government fees
#3California
$2,240
total government fees
#4Washington
$2,140
total government fees
#5Connecticut
$2,130
total government fees
Dentist License Cost Table by State
The table below shows licensing fees for all 51 jurisdictions we track. Click any column header to sort, or click a state to view its full breakdown of fees, requirements, and application steps.
| State ▲ | Gov Fees | Education Hours | Exam Fee | Renewal Fee | Renewal Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $250 | Annual; licenses expire October 1 each year |
| Alaska | $2,040 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $350 | 2 years (biennial) |
| Arizona | $1,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $650 | 3 years (triennial) |
| Arkansas | $1,690 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $300 | 2 years (biennial) |
| California | $2,240 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $650/2yr | 2 years (biennial, expires last day of birth month every two years) |
| Colorado | $1,951 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $225 | 2 years |
| Connecticut | $2,130 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $575 | 2 years |
| Delaware | $1,892 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $300 | 2 years |
| District of Columbia | $1,890 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $155 | 2 years (licenses expire December 31 of each odd-numbered year per 17 DCMR §4201.1) |
| Florida | $1,690 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $300 | 2 years (biennial); current cycle expires February 28, 2026; next cycle expires February 28, 2028 |
| Georgia | $1,865 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $260 | 2 years (biennial; licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Hawaii | $1,940 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $301 | 2 years (renew by December 31 of every odd-numbered year) |
| Idaho | $1,940 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $0 | 2 years |
| Illinois | $1,890 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $300 | 3 years |
| Indiana | $1,640 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $140 | 2 years (expires March 1 of even-numbered years) |
| Iowa | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $315 | 2 years (biennial) |
| Kansas | $1,715 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $325 | 2 years |
| Kentucky | $1,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $295 | 2 years (biennial); all licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Louisiana | $2,090 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $590 | 2 years (biennial) |
| Maine | $1,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $550 | 2 years |
| Maryland | $2,015 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $450 | 2 years |
| Massachusetts | $1,890 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $360 | 2 years |
| Michigan | $1,887 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $296 | 3 years |
| Minnesota | $1,840 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $341 | 2 years (biennial) |
| Mississippi | $1,640 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $200 | 2 years |
| Missouri | $1,715 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $250 | 2 years |
| Montana | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $336 | 3 years |
| Nebraska | $1,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $200 | 2 years (licenses renewable March 1 of odd-numbered years) |
| Nevada | $2,840 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $600 | 2 years (biannual) |
| New Hampshire | $1,760 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $170 | 2 years (biennially, February–April of even-numbered years) |
| New Jersey | $1,840 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $375 | 2 years |
| New Mexico | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $580 | 3 years |
| New York | $2,117 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $645/3yr | 3 years |
| North Carolina | $2,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $250 | Annual (deadline January 31 each year; online system open November 1 – March 31) |
| North Dakota | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $475 | 2 years |
| Ohio | $2,069 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $450 | 2 years |
| Oklahoma | $1,715 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $200 (if postmarked by December 31; late fee doubles to $400) | Annual (expires December 31 each year) |
| Oregon | $2,085 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $490 | 2 years |
| Pennsylvania | $1,850 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $366 | Biennial (2 years) |
| Rhode Island | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $300 | Consistent with fee schedule structure (fees assessed on a license cycle basis; dental renewal cycle is biennial based on fee regulation context and 'Renewal notices are sent out 60 days before your expiration date' language) |
| South Carolina | $1,815 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $280 | 2 years (biennial) |
| South Dakota | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $200 | Annual |
| Tennessee | $1,840 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $198 | 2 years |
| Texas | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $458.50/2yr | 2 years (biennial), with exception for faculty licenses |
| Utah | $1,790 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $73 | 2 years (biennial) |
| Vermont | $1,875 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $655 | 2 years |
| Virginia | $1,965 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $167 | Annual (per 18VAC60-21 regulations) |
| Washington | $2,140 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $435 | 2 years |
| West Virginia | $1,715 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $167 | Annual |
| Wisconsin | $1,765 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $123 | 2 years (biennial); renewal date is 09/30 of each odd-numbered year |
| Wyoming | $1,665 | Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours) | Varies | $200 | 2 years |
Note: Fees shown are government and exam fees as reported by official state licensing authorities. Education and training costs are additional and vary by provider. "Varies" indicates the state has fees that depend on license type, jurisdiction, or other factors.
Tips for Reducing Your Licensing Costs
- Check your state board website for current fees. Fees can change between legislative sessions. The most up-to-date information is always on your state’s licensing board website.
- Pass exams on the first attempt. Re-examination fees add cost and delay your timeline. Invest in thorough preparation.
- Ask about fee waivers. Some states offer reduced fees for veterans, military spouses, or applicants demonstrating financial hardship.
- Plan for renewal costs. Your initial license is not permanent. Budget for renewal fees and any continuing education requirements.
- Compare education provider prices. Where pre-licensing education is required, online programs are typically more affordable than in-person alternatives.
Education & Training Costs (Not Included Above)
The fees shown in the table above cover government licensing costs only — application fees, exam fees, and license issuance charges. Education and training program costs are separate expenses that vary significantly depending on the provider, format (online vs. in-person), and your state's requirements. Always research program costs alongside government fees when budgeting for licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dentist license cost?▼
The total government fees for dentist licensure vary by state. Check our comparison table above for the full state-by-state breakdown of application, exam, and license fees.
Which state has the cheapest dentist license?▼
States with the lowest total government fees are highlighted in our cheapest states section above. Costs can change, so always verify with your state licensing board.
Are education costs included in the fees shown?▼
No. The fees in our table are government and exam fees only. Education and training program costs are additional and vary significantly by provider and format.
How much does it cost to renew a dentist license?▼
Renewal fees vary by state and are typically due every 1–4 years. Many states also require continuing education hours for renewal.
What is the cheapest state for a dentist license?▼
Indiana has the lowest total government licensing fees at $1,640. Actual costs may vary — always confirm current fees with the state licensing board.
What is the most expensive state for a dentist license?▼
Nevada has the highest total government licensing fees at $2,840. These figures cover government and exam fees only, not education or training costs.
What is the average cost of a dentist license?▼
The average total government licensing fee across all states is approximately $1,893. Individual state costs range from $1,640 to $2,840.
Related Guides
State-by-State Details
View detailed dentist licensing requirements, fees, and application steps for each state:
ALAKAZARCACOCTDEDCFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWY
Sources
Fee data is sourced from official state licensing boards and regulatory agencies.
- Individual state licensing board websites (cited on each state page).
Fees and requirements change as states update their licensing statutes. Always confirm current fees with your state's licensing board before applying.
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