Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Maine

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)
• CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments)
• Pass the Maine Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Endorsement

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state, territory, or District of Columbia
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 3,000 hours in the five years preceding application
• Have completed 40 hours of continuing education in the two years preceding application
• Pass the Maine Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty License

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

4. Dental Resident License

• Be enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental residency program in Maine
• Have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Pass the Maine Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Maine Board of Dental Practice
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
• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 5 hours in infection control, including the CDC Guidelines
• 3 hours in opioid prescribing practices (for those with DEA registration)
• 1 hour in prescribing controlled substances

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 licenses may be available for specific circumstances (e.g., charitable events, teaching)

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Maine Board of Dental Practice
143 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0143
Phone: (207) 287-3333
Email: dental.board@maine.gov
Website: www.maine.gov/dental