How to Obtain a Dental License in Wisconsin

Overview

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

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/BLS certification
• Must provide proof of identity and legal right to work in U.S.
• Must complete 2-hour opioid prescribing continuing education course

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 be completed within past 5 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Pass Wisconsin jurisprudence examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another jurisdiction
• Have practiced at least 48 of the last 60 months
• No disciplinary action pending in any jurisdiction
• Pass Wisconsin jurisprudence examination
• Provide verification of licensure from all jurisdictions
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• Provide documentation of malpractice history
• Complete CPR certification
• Pass background check

3. Faculty License

Requirements:

• Be employed as faculty at a Wisconsin dental school
• Hold dental degree from accredited institution
• Hold current license in another jurisdiction or meet Board’s requirements
• Submit verification from dental school dean
• Pass Wisconsin jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to school-affiliated settings

4. Temporary Educational Permit

Requirements:

• Enrolled in postgraduate dental program in Wisconsin
• Graduate from accredited dental program
• Submit program director verification
• Valid only during training period
• Practice limited to educational program

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
• Pay application fee ($74)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide government-issued ID

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints through Fieldprint
• Pay fingerprinting fee
• Complete criminal background check
• Submit convictions and pending charges form

1. Required Documentation

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other jurisdictions (if applicable)
• Proof of current CPR certification
• Malpractice history reports
• Practice history verification (for credentials pathway)

1. Wisconsin Jurisprudence Examination

• Complete online jurisprudence examination
• Open book format
• Covers Wisconsin 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 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• Must include:
  • 2 hours infection control
  • 2 hours opioid prescribing (if prescribing)
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license by September 30 of odd-numbered years
• Pay renewal fee ($123)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Requirements

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

Sedation Permits

Minimal Sedation

• Included in general license
• Must maintain current BLS 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

Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board
Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2112
Email: dsps@wisconsin.gov
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Professions/Dentist

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 1 year
• Incomplete applications held for 1 year
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary (typically 6-8 weeks)
• Requirements subject to change

Special Considerations

• Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing
• Volunteer temporary dental permits available
• Required to report impaired practitioners
• Mobile dental facilities require additional registration
• Special CE requirements for sedation permit holders

Limited Scope License Options

Mobile Dentistry Program

• Additional registration required
• Annual renewal
• Specific equipment requirements
• Patient record protocols
• Notification requirements

Volunteer License

• Available for retired dentists
• No fee required
• Practice limited to non-profit organizations
• Must maintain CE requirements
• Annual renewal required

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