How to Obtain a Dental License in Utah

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Utah, as regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be of good moral character
• Must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must have current CPR/BLS certification
• Must provide proof of legal eligibility to work in U.S.

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

Requirements:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete one of the following clinical examinations:
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Clinical examination must have been completed within the past 2 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Pass the Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have been actively engaged in legal practice for at least 6,000 hours in the past 5 years
• OR have been actively engaged in legal practice for at least 8,000 hours in the past 10 years
• No disciplinary action pending or in effect
• Pass background check
• Pass Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination
• Provide verification of licensure from all states
• Submit proof of continuing education completion

3. Foreign-Trained Dentist Pathway

Requirements:

• Graduate from a dental school outside the U.S.
• Complete a minimum 2-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school
• Pass NBDE Parts I and II or INBDE
• Pass approved clinical examination
• Provide credential evaluation from ECE or WES
• Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL)
• Meet all other requirements for initial licensure

4. Restricted Dental Educator License

Requirements:

• Be employed as a faculty member at an accredited Utah dental school
• Hold current license in another state or country
• Submit letter of appointment from dental school
• Pass Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination
• Practice limited to educational setting

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through DOPL
• Pay application fee ($212)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide government-issued ID

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints for FBI check
• Pay fingerprint processing fee
• Complete background check authorization

1. Documentation Submission

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)
• Proof of CPR certification
• Documentation of practice hours (for credentials pathway)

1. Utah Law Examination

• Complete Utah Dental Law and Rules Examination
• Minimum passing score required
• Online format available

1. Final Steps

• Board reviews completed application
• License issued upon approval
• Receive license number and wall certificate

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• Must include specific topics:
  • 2 hours ethics/law
  • 2 hours infection control
  • 2 hours controlled substance prescribing (if holding DEA registration)
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license every 2 years
• Pay renewal fee ($93)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Requirements

• Register with Utah Controlled Substance Database if prescribing
• Maintain professional liability insurance
• Display license in primary practice location
• Report address changes within 10 days

Specialty License Requirements

• Must hold current Utah general dental license
• Complete CODA-accredited specialty program
• Pass specialty examination (if applicable)
• Submit specialty training verification
• Additional application and fee required

Contact Information

Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M. Wells Building, 4th Floor
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Email: doplweb@utah.gov
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/dental/

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 1 year
• Incomplete applications are held for 90 days
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Requirements subject to change; verify current requirements with DOPL

Anesthesia Permits

Local Anesthesia

• Included in general license

Moderate Sedation

• Additional permit required
• Complete approved training program
• Pass facility inspection
• Additional continuing education requirements

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

• Additional permit required
• Complete approved residency program
• Pass facility inspection
• Additional continuing education requirements

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.