Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry

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)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

2. Licensure by Credentials (Endorsement)

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 years immediately preceding application
• Pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (40 hours for the past two years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Academic License

For dentists teaching in dental schools:

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

4. Volunteer License

For retired dentists wishing to volunteer:

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

Application Process

1. Complete the application form from the Rhode Island Department of Health
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 Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license biennially by June 30th of even-numbered years
• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours on infection control
• 2 hours on opioid pain management and appropriate prescribing practices
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete a 2-hour course on the identification and reporting of abuse and neglect (one-time requirement)
• Comply with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry’s rules on anesthesia and sedation if providing such services

Specialty Licenses

Rhode Island offers specialty licenses in recognized dental specialties. To obtain a specialty license:

• Meet all requirements for general dentistry licensure
• Complete a CODA-accredited specialty program
• Pass the applicable specialty board examination
• Submit a completed specialty license application with required documentation and fees

For the most up-to-date information, contact the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Examiners in Dentistry, or visit their official website.