Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Arkansas

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Whether you’re a recent dental school graduate, an experienced dentist relocating from another state, or a specialist looking to expand your practice, Arkansas offers a clear set of pathways to licensure. Here’s everything you need to know.

Pathways to Licensure

There are three main routes to obtaining a dental license in Arkansas:

  1. Examination — the standard path for new graduates
  2. Credentials (License by Credentials) — for licensed dentists already practicing in another state
  3. Specialty License — for dentists pursuing recognition in a specific dental specialty

1. Examination Pathway

This is the most common route for dentists entering practice for the first time after graduation.

Requirements:

  • 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 Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners — currently, the CDCA-WREB-ADEX, CRDTS, or SRTA are all accepted
  • Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam

Steps to Apply:

  1. Submit a completed application to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
  2. Pay the required application fee
  3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
  4. Submit your NBDE or INBDE scores
  5. Submit your clinical examination scores
  6. Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam
  7. Complete a criminal background check

2. Credentials Pathway (License by Credentials)

Already licensed and practicing in another state? Arkansas’s credentials pathway offers a streamlined option for experienced dentists making the move.

Requirements:

  • Hold a current, unrestricted dental license in another U.S. state
  • Have accumulated at least 5,000 hours of active practice during the five years immediately preceding your application
  • Have a clean disciplinary record — no actions against your license
  • Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam

Steps to Apply:

  1. Submit a completed application for licensure by credentials
  2. Pay the required application fee
  3. Provide license verification from every state where you currently hold or have previously held a dental license
  4. Submit documented proof of your active practice hours
  5. Provide a letter of good standing from the dental licensing board of each state where you’ve practiced
  6. Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam
  7. Complete a criminal background check

3. Specialty License Pathway

Arkansas recognizes dental specialties and offers a dedicated specialty license for dentists who have completed advanced training.

Requirements:

  • Hold a general dentistry license in good standing — either in Arkansas or another state
  • Have completed a CODA-accredited postgraduate specialty program
  • Be board certified or board eligible in your specialty
  • Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam

Steps to Apply:

  1. Submit a completed application for a specialty license
  2. Pay the required application fee
  3. Provide verification of your general dentistry license
  4. Submit proof of completion of a CODA-accredited specialty program
  5. Provide evidence of board certification or board eligibility
  6. Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam
  7. Complete a criminal background check

Additional Information

General eligibility: All applicants must be at least 21 years of age and demonstrate good moral character.

Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam: Required for all three pathways, this exam tests applicants on Arkansas-specific dental laws and administrative rules.

License renewal: Arkansas dental licenses are renewed annually. Dentists must satisfy continuing education (CE) requirements to remain eligible for renewal — be sure to track your CE hours accordingly.

Volunteer dental license: Arkansas offers a dedicated volunteer dental license for licensed dentists who wish to provide care to underserved populations on a volunteer basis — a meaningful option for those looking to give back to their communities.

Foreign-trained dentists: Dentists who received their training outside the United States must have their credentials evaluated by an approved credentialing agency. Additional requirements may apply, including passing an English language proficiency examination and completing a two-year postgraduate program at a CODA-accredited dental school.

Reciprocity agreements: Arkansas has established reciprocity agreements with select states, which may streamline the licensure process for dentists coming from those states. Check with the Board to confirm whether your current state of licensure qualifies.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, visit the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners website or contact the Board directly. Licensure requirements can change, and the Board is your most reliable source of up-to-date information.