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Dentist — Licensed
Total cost: $1,690
Yes
INBDE Required
ADLEX (American Dental Licensing Examination) only; CRDTS and SRTA are NOT accepted
Regional Exam
Required
Jurisprudence
Separate permits for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia; pediatric sedation endorsement
Sedation Permit
30 hrs
CE Hours
$1,690
Total Fees
Dental Degree & CODA Accreditation
VerifiedDegree Required
DDS or DMD from CODA-accredited dental program
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 coursework including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and English
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; 500 questions; two-day exam (8 hours total)
Format
75 (scaled score, range 49-99)
Passing Score
$890
INBDE Fee
Regional Clinical Exam
ADLEX (American Dental Licensing Examination) only; CRDTS and SRTA are NOT accepted
ADLEX (American Dental Licensing Examination, administered by ADEX/CDCA) ONLY — CRDTS and SRTA not accepted
Jurisprudence Exam
Required
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the INBDE; ADLEX retake allowed per regional board policy
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: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Specialty Permits & Endorsements
VerifiedSedation Permit
Separate permits for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia; pediatric sedation endorsement
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 | $100 |
INBDE Fee Paid to JCNDE | $890 |
Regional Exam Fee Paid to ADEX regional board; fees may vary | $450 |
License Fee | $250 |
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 Per 2 years renewal cycle | $300 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, INBDE, regional exam, and license fees (excludes DEA and sedation permits which are separate) | $1,690 |
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Renewal & Continuing Education
Verified2 years (biennial); current cycle expires February 28, 2026; next cycle expires February 28, 2028
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
$300
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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Florida ONLY accepts ADLEX (not CRDTS or SRTA). Laws and Rules jurisprudence exam required. First renewal has reduced CE (only 2 hrs controlled substances + 2 hrs HIV/AIDS). CE tracked via CE Broker. Renewal expires February 28 of even-numbered years. Foreign-trained dentists need 2 additional years at CODA-accredited school.
Florida requires 3 exams: (1) INBDE (National Board), (2) ADLEX (American Dental Licensing Examination, administered by ADEX/CDCA), and (3) Florida Laws & Rules Examination.
Florida ONLY accepts ADLEX — does not accept CRDTS or SRTA regional exams.
30 CE hours per biennium. Must include: 2 hrs FL Laws & Rules, 2 hrs opioid/controlled substances (if DEA registered), 2 hrs domestic violence (every 3rd biennium), HIV/AIDS, infection control, CPR/BLS.
First renewal exception: only 2 hrs controlled substances + 2 hrs HIV/AIDS required.
CE tracked via CE Broker (Florida's electronic system).
Renewal expires February 28 of even-numbered years.
Foreign-trained dentists must have credentials evaluated and complete 2 years additional education at a CODA-accredited school.
Separate sedation permits are required for moderate sedation and general anesthesia.
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Florida requires passing the INBDE for dental licensure. A ADLEX (American Dental Licensing Examination) only; CRDTS and SRTA are NOT accepted regional clinical exam is also required. All licensing is managed through the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.