Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Indiana

Bydentalicenses

Indiana offers a clear, three-pathway approach to dental licensure that accommodates new graduates, experienced out-of-state clinicians, and academic dentists alike. The state accepts a broad range of clinical examinations, making it accessible for candidates coming from a variety of testing backgrounds. A few Indiana-specific requirements — including mandatory CE topics tied to the opioid crisis and professional ethics — are worth knowing before you begin.

General Requirements

All applicants, regardless of pathway, must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be of good moral character and professional standing
  • Hold a degree from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Pass all required examinations for their chosen pathway

The Three Pathways

1. Examination Pathway

The standard route for new dental graduates, Indiana accepts one of the broadest ranges of clinical examinations in the country — a helpful flexibility for candidates who have already sat for a regional board in another state.

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 one of the following clinical examinations accepted by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry: ADEX, CDCA, CRDTS, SRTA, or WREB
  • Passing score on the Indiana Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

For dentists who hold an active license in another state and have been in consistent clinical practice, Indiana’s credentials pathway provides a route to licensure without retaking a clinical examination. The continuing education requirement built into this pathway is worth flagging early — you’ll need to have 20 qualifying hours on record before you apply.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another U.S. state or territory
  • Active dental practice for at least three of the five years immediately preceding your application
  • No failed attempts on a clinical licensing examination within the past three years
  • Proof of at least 20 hours of continuing education completed in the two years prior to application
  • Passing score on the Indiana Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty Licensure

Indiana’s faculty license is available to dentists joining the full-time faculty of a CODA-accredited dental school in the state. This pathway recognizes both clinical and educational experience, making it well-suited to dentists transitioning into academic roles from practice.

Requirements:

  • Full-time faculty employment at a CODA-accredited dental school in Indiana
  • A dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution
  • A minimum of two years of experience in dental education or clinical practice
  • Passing score on the Indiana Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

All applicants submit their materials to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry. Regardless of pathway, you’ll need to provide:

  • A completed application form with the required application and license fees
  • Official transcripts from your dental school
  • NBDE/INBDE scores and clinical examination scores (where applicable)
  • Verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license (if applicable)
  • Proof of current CPR certification
  • Completed criminal background check

Renewal and Continuing Education

Indiana dental licenses are renewed every two years, with renewal due by March 1 of odd-numbered years. Each renewal period requires 20 hours of continuing education, with two specific mandatory components:

  • 2 hours on opioid prescribing and abuse
  • 1 hour on professional ethics

These topic requirements apply to every licensee regardless of specialty or practice setting, so build them into your CE plan at the start of each cycle rather than scrambling at renewal time.

Additional Considerations

Dental resident permits: Indiana offers limited dental resident permits for dentists enrolled in graduate dental programs within the state — a useful option for those in postgraduate training who need to practice as part of their program.

Foreign-trained dentists: If your dental degree was earned outside the United States, your credentials must be evaluated by a board-approved credentialing agency. Depending on your background, you may also be required to complete additional education at a CODA-accredited dental program before becoming eligible for licensure in Indiana.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, contact the Indiana State Board of Dentistry directly:

402 W. Washington Street, Room W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 234-2054 Email: [email protected] Website: www.in.gov/pla/dental.htm

Requirements can change, and confirming the latest details with the Board before you apply is always the right first step.