Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Oklahoma

General Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be of good moral character
• 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 Oklahoma Board of Dentistry

Pathways to Licensure

1. Initial Licensure by Examination

• Complete all general requirements
• Pass one of the following clinical exams:
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA)
• Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

2. Licensure by Credentials

For dentists licensed and practicing in another state:

• Have an active license in good standing from another state
• Have been in active clinical practice for at least 5 years immediately preceding application
• Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (60 hours for the past three years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Faculty Permit

For dentists teaching in dental schools:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have a full-time faculty appointment at an Oklahoma dental school
• Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• Permit is valid only for teaching duties at the specified institution

4. Specialty License

For dentists with recognized dental specialties:

• Meet all requirements for general dentistry licensure
• Complete a CODA-accredited specialty program
• Pass the applicable specialty board examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

5. Temporary License

For out-of-state dentists providing short-term services:

• Hold a current, valid license in another state
• Be sponsored by an Oklahoma licensed dentist or dental organization
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid for up to 14 days per year

Application Process

1. Complete the application form from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry
2. Submit required documents:

• Official transcripts from dental school
• NBDE or INBDE scores
• Clinical examination scores
• Proof of CPR certification
• Letters of recommendation
• Verification of licensure from other states (if applicable)

1. Pay the application and licensing fees
2. Pass a criminal background check
3. Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license annually by December 31st
• Complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years, including:
• 1 hour on opioid and scheduled drug prescribing
• 1 hour on infection control
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete a course on the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect (one-time requirement)
• Comply with the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry’s sedation rules if providing sedation services

For the most up-to-date information, contact the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry or visit their official website.