Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Oregon

General Requirements

• Be at least 18 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 Oregon 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)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA)
• Pass the Oregon Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

2. Licensure by Credentials (Endorsement)

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 3,500 hours in the five years immediately preceding application
• Pass the Oregon Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Examination
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (40 hours for the past two years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Faculty Dental License

For dentists teaching in dental schools:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have a full-time faculty appointment at an Oregon dental school
• Pass the Oregon Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License 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. Limited License

For dentists providing services in specific settings:

• Be eligible for licensure in Oregon
• Practice in a nonprofit dental clinic or organization
• Pass the Oregon Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid only for practice in the specified setting

Application Process

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

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

1. Pay the application and licensing fees
2. Pass a criminal background check
3. Pass the Oregon Board of Dentistry Jurisprudence Examination

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license annually by March 31st
• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 3 hours on medical emergencies
• 2 hours on infection control
• 1 hour on cultural competency (every other renewal cycle)
• Maintain current CPR/BLS certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete a one-hour pain management course within 24 months of initial licensure
• Comply with the Oregon Board of Dentistry’s rules on anesthesia permits if providing sedation services

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