How to Obtain a Dental License in Vermont

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Vermont, as regulated by the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners.

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 18 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 certification
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right 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 these clinical examinations:
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Clinical examination must have been completed within the past 5 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Pass Vermont jurisprudence examination

2. Licensure by Credentials (Endorsement)

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced for at least 3 of the past 5 years
• Pass Vermont jurisprudence examination
• Provide verification of licensure from all states
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• No disciplinary actions pending or in effect
• Provide documentation of malpractice history

3. Limited Faculty License

Requirements:

• Be employed as faculty at an accredited Vermont dental education program
• Hold current license in another state or country
• Submit letter of appointment from dental program
• Pass Vermont jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to educational setting

4. Public Health Dental License

Requirements:

• Work in public health setting or federally qualified health center
• Hold current license in another state
• Submit verification of employment
• Pass Vermont jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to public health setting

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through Vermont Board of Dental Examiners
• Pay application fee ($250)
• Submit recent photograph
• Provide proof of identity

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints
• Pay fingerprinting fee
• Complete background check authorization
• Allow 4-6 weeks for processing

1. Required Documentation

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)
• Proof of CPR certification
• Letters of reference (3)

1. Jurisprudence Examination

• Complete Vermont jurisprudence examination
• Minimum passing score of 75%
• Covers Vermont dental laws and regulations

1. Board Review

• Board reviews completed application
• Issues license upon approval
• Receive license number and certificate

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• Must include:
  • 2 hours infection control
  • 2 hours prescription drug abuse prevention
  • 2 hours dental recordkeeping
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license biennially
• Pay renewal fee ($185)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Requirements

• Register with Vermont Prescription Monitoring System if prescribing controlled substances
• Maintain professional liability insurance
• Display license in primary practice location
• Report address changes within 30 days

Sedation Permits

Minimal Sedation

• Included in general license

Moderate Sedation

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

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

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

Specialty License Requirements

• Must hold current Vermont general dental license
• Complete CODA-accredited specialty program
• Submit specialty training verification
• Additional application and fee required

Contact Information

Vermont Board of Dental Examiners
Office of Professional Regulation
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620
Phone: (802) 828-1505
Email: dental.board@vermont.gov
Website: https://sos.vermont.gov/dental-examiners/

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 1 year
• Incomplete applications will be purged after 6 months
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary based on application completeness
• Requirements subject to change

Special Considerations

• Vermont participates in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
• Temporary licenses may be available for specific circumstances
• Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing
• Pro bono clinics may have special licensing provisions

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners.