Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in North Carolina

General Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good moral character
• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Pass a clinical examination accepted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners

Pathways to Licensure

1. Examination Pathway

• Complete all general requirements
• Pass one of the following clinical exams:
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Pass the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

2. Licensure by Credentials

For dentists licensed and practicing in another state:

• Have an active license in good standing from another state
• Have been in active clinical practice for at least 5,000 hours over the past five years
• Pass the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (15 hours per year for the past two years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Instructor’s License

For dentists teaching in dental schools:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have a full-time appointment as an instructor at a North Carolina dental school
• Pass the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

4. Volunteer License

For retired dentists wishing to volunteer:

• Hold or have held a valid, unrestricted license in North Carolina or another state
• Agree to provide services without compensation
• Pass the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

Application Process

1. Complete the application form from the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners
2. Submit required documents:

• Official transcripts from dental school
• NBDE or INBDE scores
• Clinical examination scores
• Proof of CPR certification
• Letters of recommendation (if required)
• Verification of licensure from other states (if applicable)

1. Pay the application and licensing fees
2. Pass a criminal background check
3. Pass the North Carolina Jurisprudence Exam

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license annually by January 31st
• Complete 15 hours of continuing education annually, including:
• 1 hour on controlled substance prescribing practices
• 1 hour on ethics or jurisprudence
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete an opioid prescribing course within the first year of licensure
• Comply with the NC Dental Board’s sedation rules if providing sedation services

For the most up-to-date information, contact the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners or visit their official website.