Licensure requirements

Each state sets its own licensure requirements. Use this state map to navigate, or visit your state’s dental board. There is no universal licensure exam (i.e. getting licensed in your state doesn't guarantee the ability to practice in another state). Although specifics vary, all states have three requirements:

1. Educational
   All states’ educational requirements are satisfied by graduation from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
    
2. Written
   All licensing boards use the National Board Dental Examinations to satisfy a major portion of their written exam requirements. The National Board Examination Parts I and II are developed and administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The actual exams are conducted by regional or state examining boards.
   
   The Joint Commission is combining the NBDE Part I and Part II into a singular Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). Find more information on the transition timeline on the JCNDE website.
    
3. Clinical

   There are five testing agencies that administer clinical exams on manikins and live patients. Review the licensure laws and regulations from the individual state board websites for real-time information about which exams are accepted where licensure is sought.

   • Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
   • Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA, formerly the NERB)
   • Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
   • Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
   • Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)

   Recently, the Joint Commission on Dental Examinations announced the release of the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Examination (DLOSCE). The DLOSCE is designed to provide information to US dental boards, concerning whether a candidate for dental licensure possesses the necessary level of clinical skills to safely practice entry-level dentistry. Visit your state dental board website to determine if the exam is accepted for the clinical licensure requirement.

Study Materials

NBDE Reprints: ASDA sells released examinations with actual questions from the NBDE. ASDA members receive a discount.

Dental Decks: ASDA members receive a 10% discount on NBDE and INBDE dental decks. Find information in ASDA Member Benefits.