Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Hawaii

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Hawaii’s dental licensing process is straightforward in structure, offering three defined pathways to suit different points in a clinician’s career. Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced dentist relocating from the mainland, or a dental educator joining a Hawaii institution, here’s what you need to know before you apply.

General Requirements

Regardless of which pathway you pursue, all applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be of good moral character
  • Hold a degree from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Pass all required examinations for their chosen pathway

The Three Pathways

1. Examination Pathway

The standard route for new graduates and dentists who have not previously been licensed in another state, this pathway requires passing both a national board examination and a board-accepted regional clinical examination.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Passing score on one of the following clinical examinations accepted by the Hawaii Board of Dentistry: ADEX, WREB, SRTA, or CRDTS
  • Passing score on the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Examination

2. Credential Pathway

Designed for dentists who are already licensed and actively practicing in another U.S. state, this pathway offers a route to Hawaii licensure that recognizes your existing clinical experience.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another U.S. state
  • At least five years of active dental practice immediately preceding your application
  • One of the following must also be met:
    • A passing score on a regional clinical examination within the past five years, or
    • Documentation of at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice per year for each of the past five years

3. Faculty Pathway

Hawaii’s faculty license is available to dentists joining the full-time faculty of a CODA-accredited dental school in the state. Like similar pathways in other states, this license is tied to academic employment and carries specific educational and training requirements reflective of that setting.

Requirements:

  • Full-time faculty employment at a CODA-accredited dental school in Hawaii
  • A dental degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum of two years of postdoctoral training in the specialty area being taught

Application Process

All applicants submit their materials to the Hawaii Board of Dentistry. Regardless of pathway, you’ll need to provide:

  • A completed, notarized application form with the required application and license fees
  • Official transcripts from your dental school
  • NBDE/INBDE scores and clinical examination scores (where applicable)
  • Verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license (if applicable)
  • A recent photograph
  • Proof of current CPR certification

Renewal and Continuing Education

Hawaii dental licenses must be renewed biennially. To qualify for renewal, dentists must complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years. Plan your CE credits early in the renewal cycle to avoid a last-minute scramble.

Additional Considerations

Temporary licenses: Hawaii may issue temporary licenses in specific circumstances, such as for teaching or research purposes. Contact the Board directly to determine whether a temporary license applies to your situation.

Foreign-trained dentists: If you completed your dental education outside the United States, your credentials must be evaluated by a board-approved credentialing agency before you can proceed with a licensure application. Additional requirements may apply depending on your background.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, contact the Hawaii Board of Dentistry directly:

DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 Phone: (808) 586-3000

As with any licensing process, requirements can change, and confirming the latest details before you apply is always the right first step.