Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Pathways to Licensure

1. Initial Licensure by Examination

• Complete all general requirements
• Pass one of the following clinical exams:
• American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Pass the Pennsylvania Dental Law Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

2. Licensure by Criteria Approval (Endorsement)

For dentists licensed and practicing in another state:

• Have an active license in good standing from another state
• Have graduated from an accredited dental school at least 5 years prior to application
• Have engaged in the active clinical practice of dentistry for at least 5 years
• Pass the Pennsylvania Dental Law Examination
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (30 hours for the past two years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Restricted Faculty License

For dentists teaching in dental schools:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have a full-time faculty appointment at a Pennsylvania dental school
• Pass the Pennsylvania Dental Law Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid only for teaching duties at the specified institution

4. Temporary Volunteer Dental License

For retired dentists wishing to volunteer:

• Hold or have held a valid, unrestricted license in Pennsylvania or another state
• Agree to provide services without compensation in approved clinics
• Pass the Pennsylvania Dental Law Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees
• License is valid for no more than 30 days per calendar year

Application Process

1. Create an account and complete the online application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)
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
3. Pass the Pennsylvania Dental Law Examination

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license biennially by March 31st of even-numbered years
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours on abuse and neglect recognition and reporting
• 2 hours on pain management, identification of addiction, or practices of prescribing or dispensing opioids
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition and reporting (one-time requirement)
• Comply with the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry’s anesthesia rules if providing sedation services

For the most up-to-date information, contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry or visit their official website.