Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Connecticut

This guide outlines the pathways and requirements for obtaining a dental license in the state of Connecticut.

Pathways to Licensure

There are three main pathways to obtain a dental license in Connecticut:

1. Examination
2. Credentials (Licensure by Credentials)
3. Licensure by Endorsement

1. Examination Pathway

This is the most common path for new graduates.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Pass a clinical examination accepted by the Connecticut State Dental Commission (ADEX or CDCA)
• Complete a minimum of one year of residency training in a CODA-accredited general practice residency or advanced education program in general dentistry

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Connecticut Department of Public Health
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Submit clinical examination scores
6. Provide proof of completion of the required residency training
7. Complete a background check

2. Credentials Pathway (Licensure by Credentials)

This pathway is for dentists who are already licensed and practicing in another state.

Requirements:

• Hold a current, active license in good standing in another state
• Have practiced dentistry for a minimum of 5 years preceding the application
• Have no pending disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints
• Complete a minimum of one year of residency training in a CODA-accredited general practice residency or advanced education program in general dentistry

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by credentials
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license
4. Submit proof of active practice
5. Provide a letter of good standing from each state where licensed
6. Provide proof of completion of the required residency training
7. Complete a background check

3. Licensure by Endorsement

This pathway is for dentists licensed in another state who meet specific criteria.

Requirements:

• Hold a current, active license in good standing in another state
• Have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have passed the NBDE Parts I and II, or the INBDE
• Have passed a regional clinical examination (ADEX or CDCA)
• Complete a minimum of one year of residency training in a CODA-accredited general practice residency or advanced education program in general dentistry

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by endorsement
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license
4. Submit proof of dental school graduation
5. Provide evidence of passing NBDE or INBDE and a clinical examination
6. Provide proof of completion of the required residency training
7. Complete a background check

Additional Information

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
• Connecticut does not have a separate jurisprudence examination, but applicants are expected to be familiar with the state’s dental laws and regulations.
• Licenses must be renewed annually, and continuing education requirements must be met for renewal.
• Connecticut requires dentists to maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Connecticut offers a temporary license for dentists participating in residency programs or for those employed by the state in certain capacities.
• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by a board-approved credentialing service and must complete a minimum two-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school in the United States.

For the most up-to-date information and specific details, please visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health website or contact them directly.