Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Indiana

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

2. Licensure by Credentials

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state or territory
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least three of the five years immediately preceding application
• Have not failed a clinical licensing examination within the past three years
• Submit proof of completion of at least 20 hours of continuing education in the previous two years
• Pass the Indiana Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty Licensure

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

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Indiana State 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 proof of current CPR certification
7. Complete a criminal background check

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license every two years (March 1 of odd-numbered years)
• Complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours on opioid prescribing and abuse
• 1 hour on ethics

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
• Limited dental resident permits are available for those enrolled in Indiana graduate dental programs

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Indiana State Board of Dentistry
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-2054
Email: pla8@pla.in.gov
Website: www.in.gov/pla/dental.htm