Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Delaware

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Delaware offers three distinct pathways to dental licensure, each tailored to a different stage of a clinician’s career. Whether you’re a recent graduate sitting for your first clinical board or an experienced dentist relocating from another state, here’s a clear breakdown of what Delaware requires and how to get there.

The Three Pathways

1. Examination Pathway

The primary route for new dental graduates, this pathway requires passing a nationally recognized clinical examination alongside the standard board requirements.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Passing score on a clinical examination accepted by the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene — currently ADEX, CDCA, CRDTS, SRTA, and WREB are all accepted
  • Completion of a course in infection control
  • Completion of a CPR course

Steps to licensure: Submit your application and fee to the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, along with official transcripts, NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, and proof of your infection control and CPR course completions. A criminal background check is also required.

2. Reciprocity Pathway

Delaware maintains reciprocal agreements with certain states, allowing dentists licensed in those jurisdictions to pursue licensure through a streamlined process — provided they meet Delaware’s practice and examination standards.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in a state that holds a reciprocal agreement with Delaware
  • Active practice for at least three of the five years immediately preceding your application
  • Passing score on a clinical examination substantially similar to Delaware’s requirements
  • Completion of a course in infection control
  • Completion of a CPR course

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for licensure by reciprocity and pay the required fee. You’ll need to provide verification of your license from the reciprocal state, documentation of your active practice history, evidence of your qualifying clinical examination score, and proof of infection control and CPR course completions. A criminal background check is required.

3. Licensure by Credentials Pathway

For out-of-state dentists who don’t qualify for reciprocity — whether because their home state doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement with Delaware or for another reason — licensure by credentials provides an alternative route with similar requirements.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another state
  • Active practice for at least three of the five years immediately preceding your application
  • Passing score on a clinical examination substantially similar to Delaware’s requirements
  • Completion of a course in infection control
  • Completion of a CPR course

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for licensure by credentials along with the required fee. Provide verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a license, documentation of your active practice history, evidence of your qualifying clinical examination score, and proof of infection control and CPR course completions. A criminal background check is also required.

Key Requirements All Applicants Share

Every applicant must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate good moral character. Across all three pathways, Delaware requires proof of both infection control training and CPR certification — make sure these are current before you apply, as they’re non-negotiable regardless of how you’re pursuing licensure.

Delaware does not administer a standalone jurisprudence examination, but all applicants are expected to be familiar with the state’s dental laws and regulations before they begin practicing.

Licenses must be renewed biennially, with continuing education requirements fulfilled at each renewal cycle. Maintaining a current CPR certification is an ongoing requirement as well, not just a one-time box to check during the application process.

Additional Considerations

Restricted volunteer license: Delaware offers a restricted volunteer license for retired dentists who wish to continue contributing to their communities through volunteer dental services — a thoughtful option for those winding down a clinical career but not ready to step away entirely.

Foreign-trained dentists: If your dental education was completed outside the United States, your credentials must be evaluated by a board-approved credentialing service. Additional requirements may apply, including passing an English proficiency examination if your dental education was conducted in a non-English speaking country. The Delaware Board can advise on the specific steps based on your background.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, visit the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene website or contact their office directly. Licensing requirements can change, and confirming the details before submitting your application will always be worth the extra step.