Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Kentucky

General Requirements

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be of good moral character and professional standing
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)
• SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency)
• Pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state or territory
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least five of the past ten years immediately preceding the application
• Have completed at least 60 hours of continuing education in the past two years
• Provide a certificate of good standing from each state where licensed
• Pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty License

• Be a full-time faculty member at an accredited dental school in Kentucky
• Hold a dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution
• Have a current license to practice dentistry in at least one other U.S. state or territory
• Pass the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

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

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license annually by December 31
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 10 hours of live, interactive courses
• 1.5 hours on prescription opioid abuse
• 3 hours on domestic violence (once every 10 years)

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
• Temporary charitable limited licenses are available for specific circumstances (e.g., volunteer services)

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Kentucky Board of Dentistry
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone: (502) 429-7280
Email: dentistry@ky.gov
Website: dentistry.ky.gov