Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Louisiana

Bydentalicenses

Louisiana’s dental licensing structure covers three distinct pathways and includes some of the most detailed continuing education mandates in the country — with specific requirements around opioid prescribing and human trafficking prevention that reflect the state’s broader public health priorities. If you’re planning to practice dentistry in Louisiana, here’s a thorough breakdown of what each pathway requires.

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, this pathway requires passing national board scores, a board-accepted regional clinical examination, and Louisiana’s state jurisprudence exam.

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 Louisiana State Board of Dentistry: CRDTS, CDCA, SRTA, or WREB
  • Passing score on the Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

Louisiana’s credentials pathway is available to experienced out-of-state dentists, but it sets a specific and substantial practice hour threshold that distinguishes it from many other states. Applicants must also have their continuing education in order before applying — so this is a pathway that rewards advance planning.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
  • At least 5,000 hours of active dental practice during the five years immediately preceding your application
  • At least 30 hours of continuing education completed in the two years prior to application
  • No failed attempts on a clinical licensing examination within the past five years
  • Passing score on the Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination

The 5,000-hour practice requirement works out to roughly 1,000 hours per year — equivalent to consistent, active clinical practice over the full five-year window. If there are gaps in your practice history, review this requirement carefully before applying.

3. Restricted Dental License (Faculty)

Louisiana’s restricted dental license is designed for dentists joining the full-time faculty of a CODA-accredited dental school in the state. Notably, this pathway is open to dentists licensed in other countries as well as U.S. states and territories, making it one of the more internationally inclusive faculty license options available.

Requirements:

  • Full-time faculty employment at a CODA-accredited dental school in Louisiana
  • A dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution or its equivalent
  • A current dental license in at least one other U.S. state, territory, or country
  • Passing score on the Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination

Application Process

All applicants submit their materials to the Louisiana 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

Louisiana dental licenses must be renewed annually by December 31. Over each two-year period, dentists must complete 40 hours of continuing education, with specific mandatory components that go beyond what most states require:

  • 20 hours must be clinical in nature
  • 3 hours on opioid prescribing practices — required for dentists who hold a DEA registration
  • 2 hours on preventing human trafficking — required once per renewal period

The human trafficking prevention requirement is a Louisiana-specific mandate that reflects the state’s commitment to addressing this public health issue through its licensed healthcare professionals. Build all mandatory topics into your CE plan at the start of each renewal cycle to stay comfortably ahead of the deadline.

Additional Considerations

Temporary dental permits: Louisiana offers temporary dental permits for specific circumstances, including participation in continuing education courses and charitable events. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry directly to determine whether a temporary permit is appropriate for your situation.

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 Louisiana.

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

One Canal Place 365 Canal Street, Suite 2680 New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: (504) 568-8574 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lsbd.org

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