How to Obtain a Dental License in Utah

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The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing dentists practicing in the state. Utah offers several licensing pathways to accommodate a range of applicants — from newly graduated dentists and experienced clinicians relocating from other states, to internationally trained professionals and dental educators. Below is a thorough breakdown of each pathway, the application process, and what’s required to keep your license in good standing.

General Requirements

All applicants must meet the following baseline criteria before a dental license can be issued, regardless of which pathway applies:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be of good moral character
  • Have graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Hold a current CPR/BLS certification
  • Provide proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States

Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

This is the standard pathway for dentists who have recently completed their dental education and are entering the profession for the first time.

Requirements

Applicants must have passed the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and must have successfully completed one of the following board-accepted clinical examinations within the past two years: the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), or the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA).

Official transcripts from your dental school must be submitted, and applicants must pass the Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination, which tests knowledge of Utah-specific dental regulations and standards of practice.

2. Licensure by Credentials

This pathway is designed for experienced dentists who are currently licensed in another U.S. state and wish to relocate their practice to Utah.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a current, valid, and unrestricted dental license in another state with no disciplinary action pending or in effect. Utah also requires proof of substantial active practice — either at least 6,000 hours of clinical practice within the past five years, or at least 8,000 hours over the past ten years. Applicants must pass the Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination, submit verification of licensure from every state in which they’ve held a dental license, and provide proof of continuing education completion.

3. Foreign-Trained Dentist Pathway

Utah offers a defined pathway for internationally trained dentists who wish to obtain licensure in the state.

Requirements

Applicants who graduated from a dental school outside the United States must complete a minimum two-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school before applying. From there, they must pass the NBDE Parts I and II or the INBDE, and pass an approved regional clinical examination. A credential evaluation from ECE or WES is required to verify the equivalency of the international dental degree, and English proficiency must be demonstrated through the TOEFL examination. All other standard licensure requirements also apply.

4. Restricted Dental Educator License

This license is intended for dentists who are employed as faculty members at an accredited dental school in Utah and wish to practice within that educational setting.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a current dental license in another U.S. state or country and must be employed as a faculty member at an accredited Utah dental institution. A letter of appointment from the dental school must be submitted as part of the application. This license restricts practice exclusively to the educational setting and does not authorize general dental practice in Utah. Applicants must also pass the Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination.

Application Process

Getting Started

Begin by completing the online application through the DOPL portal and paying the application fee ($212). You’ll also need to submit a recent passport-style photograph and provide a government-issued ID.

Background Check

All applicants must submit fingerprints for an FBI background check and pay the associated fingerprint processing fee. A background check authorization form must also be completed.

Required Documentation

Your application must be accompanied by the following supporting materials:

  • Official transcripts sent directly from your dental school
  • National Board Examination scores
  • Regional clinical examination scores
  • License verifications from any other states where you’ve held a dental license (if applicable)
  • Proof of current CPR/BLS certification
  • Documentation of practice hours (required for the credentials pathway)

Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination

All applicants must pass the Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination, which is available in an online format. A minimum passing score is required, and this step must be completed before your license can be issued.

Final Steps

Once your completed application has been reviewed and approved by the Board, your license will be issued and you’ll receive your license number and wall certificate.

Maintaining Your License

Utah dental licenses must be renewed every two years, with a renewal fee of $93. To remain in good standing, licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education per two-year cycle, which must include 2 hours of ethics and law, 2 hours of infection control, and — for those holding a DEA registration — 2 hours specifically covering controlled substance prescribing. A current CPR/BLS certification must be maintained throughout the renewal period.

Licensees are required to report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions to the DOPL and must notify the division of any address changes within 10 days.

Additional Requirements

Dentists who prescribe controlled substances must register with the Utah Controlled Substance Database. All licensees are required to maintain professional liability insurance and must display their license at their primary practice location.

Specialty Licenses

Utah offers specialty licenses for dentists who have pursued advanced training in a recognized dental specialty. To obtain a specialty license, you must hold a current Utah general dental license, complete a CODA-accredited specialty education program, pass any applicable specialty examination, and submit verification of your specialty training. A separate application and additional fee are required.

Anesthesia Permits

Local anesthesia is covered under the general dental license and does not require a separate permit. However, dentists who wish to provide moderate sedation or deep sedation and general anesthesia must obtain additional permits for each level. Both require completion of an approved training or residency program, a facility inspection, and ongoing continuing education specific to anesthesia administration.

For the most current requirements, fees, and application materials, contact the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing directly:

Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Heber M. Wells Building, 4th Floor 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: (801) 530-6628 Email: [email protected] Website: dopl.utah.gov/dental