Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in South Carolina

General Requirements

• Be at least 21 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 South Carolina 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)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA)
• Pass the South Carolina Jurisprudence Examination
• 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 years immediately preceding application
• Pass the South Carolina Jurisprudence Examination
• Provide proof of continuing education credits (14 hours per year for the past 5 years)
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

3. Teaching License

For dentists teaching in dental schools:

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have a full-time faculty appointment at a South Carolina dental school
• Pass the South Carolina 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 South Carolina or another state
• Agree to provide services without compensation in approved settings
• Pass the South Carolina Jurisprudence Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

5. Restricted Volunteer License

For dentists licensed in another country:

• Graduate from a dental program equivalent to CODA-accredited programs
• Agree to practice only in specific approved settings
• Pass the South Carolina Jurisprudence Examination
• Submit a completed application with required documentation and fees

Application Process

1. Create an account and complete the online application through the South Carolina Board of Dentistry’s website
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 South Carolina Jurisprudence Examination

Maintaining Licensure

• Renew license biennially by March 1st of odd-numbered years
• Complete 28 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours on infection control
• 2 hours on opioid prescribing practices (if holding a controlled substance registration)
• Maintain current CPR certification

Additional Requirements

• Complete a 3-hour course on identification and reporting of abuse and neglect (one-time requirement)
• Comply with the South Carolina Board of Dentistry’s rules on sedation if providing such services

Specialty Licenses

South Carolina recognizes 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 South Carolina Board of Dentistry or visit their official website.