Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Iowa

General Requirements

1. Be at least 18 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)
• CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments)
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service)
• SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency)
• WREB (Western Regional Examining Board)
• Pass the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination

2. License by Credentials

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state or territory
• Have actively practiced dentistry for a minimum of 1,000 hours or one year, whichever is greater, during the two-year period immediately preceding the application
• Provide evidence of meeting continuing education requirements in the current licensing jurisdiction
• Pass the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty Permit

• Be a full-time faculty member at an accredited dental school in Iowa
• Hold a dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution
• Be licensed as a dentist in another state or country
• Pass the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Iowa Dental Board
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 proof of current CPR certification
7. Complete a criminal background check

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license biennially (August 31 of even-numbered years)
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours on infection control
• 1 hour on Iowa jurisprudence
• 2 hours on opioids (for those with DEA registration)

Additional Information

• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by an approved agency and may need to complete additional education at a CODA-accredited program
• Dental resident license available for those enrolled in Iowa dental specialty programs

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Iowa Dental Board
400 SW 8th Street, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 281-5157
Email: IDB@iowa.gov
Website: dentalboard.iowa.gov