Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Connecticut

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Connecticut holds its dental licensure standards to a high bar — notably, the state requires postgraduate residency training across all pathways, making it one of the more demanding states for new and transferring applicants alike. If you’re planning to practice dentistry in Connecticut, here’s what you need to know about each route to licensure.

The Three Pathways

1. Examination Pathway

The standard route for new graduates, this pathway combines national board scores, a clinical examination, and a mandatory residency requirement that sets Connecticut apart from many other states.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Passing score on a clinical examination accepted by the Connecticut State Dental Commission — currently ADEX and CDCA are accepted
  • Completion of a minimum one-year residency in a CODA-accredited general practice residency (GPR) or advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) program

Steps to licensure: Submit your application and fee to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, along with official transcripts, NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, and proof of residency completion. A background check is also required.

2. Credentials Pathway (Licensure by Credentials)

For dentists who have been practicing in another state and are looking to relocate to Connecticut, this pathway offers an examination-free route — provided you meet the state’s practice and training requirements.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another state
  • A minimum of five years of active dental practice immediately preceding your application
  • No pending disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints against any license held
  • Completion of a minimum one-year residency in a CODA-accredited GPR or AEGD program

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for licensure by credentials and pay the required fee. You’ll need to provide verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a license, documentation of your active practice history, a letter of good standing from each state where you are or have been licensed, and proof of residency completion. A background check is required.

3. Licensure by Endorsement

This pathway is available to out-of-state dentists who hold a current license and meet Connecticut’s educational and examination equivalency standards. Like the other pathways, it does not waive the residency requirement.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another state
  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the INBDE
  • Passing score on a regional clinical examination — ADEX or CDCA
  • Completion of a minimum one-year residency in a CODA-accredited GPR or AEGD program

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for licensure by endorsement along with the required fee. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license, proof of dental school graduation, documentation of your NBDE/INBDE and clinical examination scores, and proof of residency completion. A background check is also required.

Key Requirements All Applicants Share

Every applicant must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate good moral character. One requirement that stands out in Connecticut is that postgraduate residency training is mandatory across all three pathways — there are no exceptions. If you haven’t yet completed a qualifying one-year GPR or AEGD program, that will need to be your first priority before pursuing licensure.

Unlike many states, Connecticut does not have a standalone jurisprudence examination. However, all applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of the state’s dental laws and regulations before practicing.

Licenses in Connecticut must be renewed annually — a shorter renewal cycle than most states — and continuing education requirements must be met for each renewal. Connecticut also requires all licensed dentists to maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Additional Considerations

Temporary license: Connecticut offers a temporary license for dentists participating in residency programs or for those employed by the state in certain capacities, which can be a useful bridge while completing training or awaiting full licensure.

Foreign-trained dentists: Dentists who completed their training outside the United States must have their credentials evaluated by a board-approved credentialing service. In most cases, you will also be required to complete a minimum two-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school in the United States before becoming eligible for licensure.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health website or contact their office directly. Requirements can and do change, and verifying the details before you begin your application is always time well spent.