How to Obtain a Dental License in South Dakota

Overview

This guide outlines the various pathways to obtaining a dental license in South Dakota, as regulated by the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry.

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be of good moral character
• Must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must have current CPR certification

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

Requirements:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete one of the following clinical examinations:
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Examination must have been passed within the last 5 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Complete jurisprudence examination on South Dakota dental laws and rules

2. Licensure by Credentials (for Experienced Dentists)

Requirements:

• Hold a current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 3 of the past 5 years
• Provide verification of licensure from all states where currently or previously licensed
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• Provide documentation of malpractice history
• Pass South Dakota jurisprudence examination

3. Military Spouse Pathway

Requirements:

• Must be the spouse of an active duty member of the armed forces
• Hold a current license in good standing from another state
• Submit proof of military spouse status
• Pass South Dakota jurisprudence examination

Application Process

1. Submit Application

• Complete online application through the South Dakota Board of Dentistry
• Pay required application fee
• Provide recent photograph
• Submit official documentation for all requirements

1. Background Check

• Submit fingerprints
• Pay required background check fee
• Allow 4-6 weeks for processing

1. Documentation Review

• Board reviews all submitted materials
• May request additional information if needed

1. Jurisprudence Examination

• Schedule and pass the South Dakota dental jurisprudence examination
• Exam covers state dental laws and regulations

1. License Issuance

• Upon approval, pay licensing fee
• Receive license certificate
• Begin practice

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 100 hours of continuing education every 5 years
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license annually by deadline
• Pay renewal fees
• Maintain compliance with all state regulations

Additional Information

• Initial licenses are valid through December 31st of the year issued
• Fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 1 year from date of submission
• Incomplete applications may be returned

Contact Information

South Dakota State Board of Dentistry
P.O. Box 1079
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 224-1282
Website: https://www.sdboardofdentistry.org

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements with the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry.