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Dentist — Licensed
Total cost: $2,240
Yes
INBDE Required
ADEX or WREB accepted; also Portfolio Evaluation pathway
Regional Exam
Required
Jurisprudence
Oral conscious sedation permit, general anesthesia permit, and pediatric endorsement required separately
Sedation Permit
50 hrs
CE Hours
$2,240
Total Fees
Dental Degree & CODA Accreditation
VerifiedDegree Required
DDS or DMD from CODA-accredited dental school
CODA Accreditation
Required
Program Length
4 years
Clinical Hours
Extensive clinical training during years 3-4 of dental school; specific hours vary by program (typically 2,000+ patient contact hours)
Prerequisite Education
3-4 years undergraduate education (most schools require bachelor's degree); DAT (Dental Admission Test) required for admission
Dentists must earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from a CODA-accredited dental school. Programs typically span 4 years and include extensive clinical training in restorative, surgical, and diagnostic dentistry.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedINBDE Required
Integrated National Board Dental Examination
Computer-based at Prometric; 500 questions over 2 days; integrates biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences
Format
75 (scaled score, range 49-99)
Passing Score
$760
INBDE Fee
Regional Clinical Exam
ADEX or WREB accepted; also Portfolio Evaluation pathway
ADEX (American Dental Examining Board) or Portfolio Evaluation
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Retake Policy
Must wait 60 days between attempts; max 4 attempts per 12 months; must pass within 5 years of first attempt or 5 attempts (whichever first)
The INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) replaced the former NBDE Part I and Part II. It is a comprehensive, one-day exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. Most states also require a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CDCA, WREB, or CRDTS) and some require a state jurisprudence exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 30/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Dental Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for the INBDE and dental licensing exams.
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Specialty Permits & Endorsements
VerifiedSedation Permit
Oral conscious sedation permit, general anesthesia permit, and pediatric endorsement required separately
Laser Permit
Not Required
Orthodontic Specialty
Board-certified orthodontic specialty recognized; additional training beyond DDS/DMD required
Oral Surgery Specialty
Oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty recognized; requires additional 4-6 year residency
Many states require separate permits or endorsements for sedation (minimal, moderate, deep, and general anesthesia), laser use, and specialty practice areas. Sedation permits typically require additional training, equipment standards, and facility inspections.
Practice Scope & Supervision
VerifiedGeneral Dentistry
Yes
Restorative
Yes
Endodontics
Yes
Periodontics
Yes
Prosthodontics
Yes
Oral Surgery (Basic)
Yes
Prescriptive Authority
Yes
Teledentistry
Yes
Dental Hygienist Supervision
Direct or general supervision depending on procedure; hygienists may perform prophylaxis, scaling, and preventive services
Dental Assistant Supervision
Direct supervision required for expanded-function dental assistants; general supervision for basic duties
Restricted Activities
Dentists are authorized to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions of the oral cavity. Scope includes restorative, endodontic, periodontic, and prosthodontic procedures, as well as basic oral surgery. Supervision requirements for dental hygienists and assistants vary by state. Most states grant prescriptive authority including controlled substances.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $337 |
INBDE Fee Paid to JCNDE; 500 items over 2 days NBDE has been replaced by INBDE. | $760 |
Regional Exam Fee Paid to WREB regional board; fees may vary | $450 |
License Fee | $500 |
DEA Fee DEA registration for 3 years; paid to DEA | $888 |
Sedation Permit Fee Sedation permit fee varies by level; additional fees for general anesthesia permit | $150 |
Renewal Fee biennial, expires on birth month | $650 (biennial) |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, INBDE, regional exam, and license fees (excludes DEA and sedation permits which are separate) | $2,240 |
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Renewal & Continuing Education
Verified2 years (biennial, expires last day of birth month every two years)
Renewal Period
50 hrs
CE Hours Required
$650/2yr
Renewal Fee
Required CE Topics
Regulatory Board
Dental licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state board. Continuing education requirements typically include infection control, opioid prescribing, CPR, and other state-mandated topics. Many states require specific hours in certain subject areas.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
INBDE Score Transfer
Accepted
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states accept out-of-state dental licenses through endorsement or credentials verification. Requirements typically include passing the INBDE, a regional clinical exam, and meeting active practice requirements. Some states may require additional state-specific exams or clinical evaluations.
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Law and Ethics exam required ($125 fee). Three licensure pathways available. State CDS registration required. California Dental Practice Act jurisprudence exam required.
California requires graduation from a CODA-accredited DDS or DMD program for dental licensure.
The INBDE (passing score 75) is required for all dental applicants.
California accepts the WREB as the regional clinical examination.
50 continuing education hours are required per 2-year renewal cycle.
California does not require a separate jurisprudence examination.
Separate sedation permits are required for moderate sedation and general anesthesia.
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California requires passing the INBDE for dental licensure. A ADEX or WREB accepted; also Portfolio Evaluation pathway regional clinical exam is also required. All licensing is managed through the Dental Board of California.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.