Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in North Dakota

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 Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners

Pathways to Licensure

1. Initial Licensure by Examination

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

2. Licensure by Credential

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 or completed a CODA-accredited general practice residency or specialty program
• Pass the North Dakota Jurisprudence Examination
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (32 hours for the past two years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Temporary License

For dentists participating in dental residency programs or short-term practice:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Be accepted into a North Dakota dental residency program or have a specific short-term practice opportunity
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid for a limited time, typically up to one year

4. Volunteer License

For retired dentists wishing to volunteer:

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

Application Process

1. Complete the application form from the North Dakota 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 Dakota Jurisprudence Examination

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license annually by December 31st
• Complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours on infection control
• 2 hours on ethics or jurisprudence
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete a self-query from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)
• Comply with the ND Dental Board’s sedation rules if providing sedation services

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