Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Louisiana

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:
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service)
• CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments)
• SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency)
• WREB (Western Regional Examining Board)
• Pass the Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state, territory, or District of Columbia
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 5,000 hours during the five years immediately preceding the application
• Have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in the past two years
• Have not failed any clinical licensing examination in the past five years
• Pass the Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination

3. Restricted Dental License (for faculty)

• Be a full-time faculty member at an accredited dental school in Louisiana
• Hold a dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution or its equivalent
• Have a current license to practice dentistry in at least one other U.S. state, territory, or country
• Pass the Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Louisiana 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 annually by December 31
• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 20 hours of clinical courses
• 3 hours on opioid prescribing practices (for those with DEA registration)
• 2 hours on preventing human trafficking (once every renewal period)

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
• Temporary dental permits are available for specific circumstances (e.g., continuing education courses, charitable events)

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Louisiana State Board of Dentistry
One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2680
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 568-8574
Email: info@lsbd.org
Website: www.lsbd.org