Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Idaho

General Requirements

1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Be of good moral character
3. Graduate from an accredited dental school
4. Pass required examinations

Pathways to Licensure

1. Examination Pathway

• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Pass one of the following clinical examinations:
• ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners)
• WREB (Western Regional Examining Board)
• Pass the Idaho Jurisprudence Examination

2. Credential Pathway (License by Credentials)

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 3,000 hours in the five years immediately preceding application
• Have not failed any clinical exam given by Idaho or similar to Board-approved exams in the last two years
• Certify completion of 30 hours of continuing education in the two years prior to application

3. Specialty License Pathway

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state
• Have completed a CODA-accredited postdoctoral specialty program
• Hold a current national board specialty certification
• Pass the Idaho Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Idaho Board of Dentistry
2. Pay the required application and license fees
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit examination scores (NBDE/INBDE and clinical exam)
5. Provide verification of licensure from other states (if applicable)
6. Submit a recent photograph
7. Provide proof of CPR certification
8. Complete fingerprinting and background check process

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license annually by October 1
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Information

• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by an approved agency and complete at least one year in a CODA-accredited program
• Temporary/limited licenses may be available for specific circumstances (e.g., volunteer services, teaching)

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Idaho State Board of Dentistry
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0021
Phone: (208) 334-2369
Email: info@isbd.idaho.gov