Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Ohio

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 Ohio State Dental Board

Pathways to Licensure

1. Initial Licensure by Examination

• Complete all general requirements
• Pass one of the following clinical exams:
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Pass the Ohio 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 1,000 hours per year for five consecutive years immediately preceding application
• Pass the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (40 hours for the past two years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Limited Resident’s License

For dentists participating in dental residency programs:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Be accepted into an Ohio dental residency program
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid only for the duration of the residency program and at the specified facility

4. Temporary Limited Continuing Education License

For out-of-state dentists providing continuing education in Ohio:

• Hold a current, valid license in another state
• Be invited to teach, demonstrate, or provide dental services in connection with a dental education course in Ohio
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid for up to 10 days per year

Application Process

1. Create an account and complete the online application through the Ohio eLicense system
2. Submit required documents:

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

1. Pay the application and licensing fees
2. Pass a criminal background check (both BCI and FBI)
3. Pass the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license biennially by December 31st of odd-numbered years
• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• At least 20 hours of supervised clinical instruction
• 2 hours on ethics or Ohio dental law
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete an approved course in identifying and reporting abuse and neglect of children and adults (one-time requirement)
• Comply with the Ohio State Dental Board’s sedation rules if providing sedation services

For the most up-to-date information, contact the Ohio State Dental Board or visit their official website.