Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Hawaii

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 an accredited 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)
• WREB (Western Regional Examining Board)
• SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency)
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service)
• Pass the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Examination

2. Credential Pathway

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state
• Have practiced dentistry for at least five years immediately preceding the application
• Meet one of the following:
• Pass a regional clinical examination within the past five years
• Submit proof of 1,000 hours of clinical practice per year for the past five years

3. Faculty Pathway

• Be a full-time faculty member at an accredited dental school in Hawaii
• Hold a dental degree from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum of two years of postdoctoral training in the specialty area being taught

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Hawaii 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 a recent photograph
7. Provide proof of CPR certification

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license biennially
• Complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years

Additional Information

• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by an approved agency
• Temporary licenses may be available for specific circumstances (e.g., teaching, research)

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Hawaii Board of Dentistry
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Phone: (808) 586-3000