How to Obtain a Dental License in Virginia

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Virginia, as regulated by the Virginia Board of Dentistry.

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 identity and 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)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Clinical examination must be completed within 12 months of application
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Complete Virginia jurisprudence examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced for at least 5 out of the past 6 years immediately preceding application
• Have completed continuing education requirements in current jurisdiction
• Pass Virginia 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. Faculty License

Requirements:

• Be employed as full-time faculty at accredited dental program in Virginia
• Hold dental degree from CODA-accredited school
• Hold current license in another state or country
• Submit letter of appointment from dental school
• Pass Virginia jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to educational setting and affiliated clinics

4. Temporary Resident License

Requirements:

• Enrolled in Virginia graduate dental program or internship
• Hold dental degree from CODA-accredited school
• Submit verification from program director
• Practice limited to training program
• Valid only during period of residency/internship

5. Temporary Volunteer License

Requirements:

• Hold current license in another state
• Practice only at free clinics
• Submit sponsorship verification from clinic
• No compensation for dental services
• Limited duration of practice

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through Virginia Board of Dentistry
• Pay application fee ($400)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide government-issued ID

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints through approved vendor
• Pay fingerprinting fee
• Complete criminal history check

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 current CPR certification
• Letters of recommendation (2)
• Employment verification (for credentials pathway)

1. Virginia Jurisprudence Examination

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

1. Board Review and License Issuance

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

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 15 hours of continuing education annually
• Must include:
  • 2 hours opioid prescribing/pain management
  • 2 hours dental recordkeeping (once per renewal period)
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license annually (by March 31)
• Pay renewal fee ($285)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Requirements

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

Sedation/Anesthesia Permits

Minimal Sedation

• Included in general license
• Must maintain current CPR certification

Moderate Sedation

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

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

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

Contact Information

Virginia Board of Dentistry
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4538
Email: denbd@dhp.virginia.gov
Website: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 1 year
• Incomplete applications are held for 180 days
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary based on application completeness
• Requirements subject to change

Special Considerations

• Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing
• Reinstatement process available for expired licenses
• Restricted volunteer license available for retired dentists
• Required to report certain medical conditions that may impact practice
• Mandatory reporting of suspected professional misconduct

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Virginia Board of Dentistry.