Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts offers four pathways to dental licensure, each designed for a different type of applicant — from new graduates to internationally trained dentists to academic faculty. A few features set Massachusetts apart from other states: the state requires the CDCA examination exclusively for its clinical component, mandates an infection control course across all pathways, and reserves the right to request an interview with any applicant before granting licensure. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.

General Requirements

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

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be of good moral character
  • Hold a degree from a CODA-accredited dental school (or complete an equivalent qualifying program, as detailed below)
  • Pass all required examinations for their chosen pathway
  • Hold a current CPR/BLS certification
  • Complete a course in infection control

The Four Pathways

1. Standard Pathway

The primary route for new dental graduates, this pathway centers on the CDCA examination — the only clinical board currently accepted by Massachusetts — alongside the national boards and a 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 the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) examination, including both its written and clinical components
  • Completion of an infection control course
  • Current CPR/BLS certification
  • Passing score on the Massachusetts Dental Jurisprudence Examination

Steps to licensure: Submit your application to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry along with the required fee. Provide official transcripts from your dental school, NBDE/INBDE scores, CDCA examination results, proof of infection control course completion, and a copy of your current CPR/BLS certification. You will also need to pass the jurisprudence examination on Massachusetts dental laws and regulations.

2. Licensure by Credentials

For dentists who hold an active license in another state and have been in consistent clinical practice, Massachusetts’s credentials pathway provides a route to licensure that builds on your existing qualifications. Note that the standard examination and training requirements still apply — credentials status does not waive them.

Requirements:

  • A current, valid dental license in good standing in another U.S. state
  • At least five years of active dental practice immediately preceding your application
  • No pending disciplinary actions against any license held
  • Satisfaction of all standard requirements, including NBDE/INBDE scores, infection control course, and CPR/BLS certification

Additional steps: Provide verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a dental license, along with documentation of your active practice history — such as employer letters or tax documents. A criminal background check is also required.

3. Foreign-Trained Dentist Pathway

Massachusetts requires internationally trained dentists to complete a formal bridging program at a U.S. dental school before becoming eligible for licensure — one of the more rigorous requirements for this applicant group in the country.

Requirements:

  • A dental degree from a foreign dental school
  • Completion of a minimum two-year program at a CODA-accredited U.S. dental school, resulting in a DDS or DMD degree
  • Satisfaction of all standard requirements, including NBDE/INBDE scores, CDCA examination, infection control course, and CPR/BLS certification

Additional steps: Provide a credential evaluation of your foreign dental degree, along with official transcripts and a completion certificate from your U.S. dental program. Once all standard requirements are met, the remainder of the application process mirrors the standard pathway.

4. Faculty License

Massachusetts’s faculty license is available to dentists employed at CODA-accredited dental schools in the state. This pathway recognizes both teaching and clinical experience, making it accessible to dentists transitioning into academic roles from a variety of backgrounds.

Requirements:

  • Current employment as a faculty member at a CODA-accredited dental school in Massachusetts
  • A dental degree from a recognized institution
  • A minimum of two years of experience in teaching or practicing dentistry

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for a faculty license, along with proof of your employment at a Massachusetts dental school, your dental degree credentials, and documentation of your teaching or clinical experience.

Application Process Notes

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry reserves the right to request an interview or additional documentation from any applicant at any point during the review process. This is worth keeping in mind — be prepared to respond promptly to any Board communications, as delays in response can slow your application timeline significantly.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Massachusetts dental licenses must be renewed biennially. Continuing education requirements must be fulfilled at each renewal cycle — contact the Board or check their website for the current hour requirements and any mandated topic areas, as these can be updated between renewal periods.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry website or contact their office directly. Requirements are subject to change, and verifying the latest details before you submit your application is always the right first step.