Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Illinois

General Requirements

1. Be at least 21 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 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 Illinois Jurisprudence Examination

2. Credential Pathway (Licensure by Credentials)

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state or territory
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding application
• Have not failed any clinical exam given by Illinois or similar to Board-approved exams in the last 5 years
• Meet one of the following:
• Hold diplomate status with a national certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association
• Hold a specialty certificate from an ADA-accredited program
• Have completed a residency program of at least 12 months
• Pass the Illinois Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty Pathway

• Be a full-time faculty member at an accredited dental school in Illinois
• Hold a dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution
• Have a minimum of two years of general practice experience or have completed an advanced education program
• Pass the Illinois Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
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 fingerprinting and background check process

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license every three years
• Complete 48 hours of continuing education every three years, including:
• 3 hours on safe opioid prescribing practices
• 1 hour on sexual harassment prevention training

Additional Information

• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and complete at least two years in a CODA-accredited program
• Temporary licenses may be available for specific circumstances (e.g., teaching, research)

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, Illinois 62786
Phone: (888) 473-4858
Website: www.idfpr.com