Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Michigan

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Michigan offers five pathways to dental licensure, overseen by the Michigan Board of Dentistry under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Applications are submitted through Michigan’s online licensing system, MiPLUS, rather than directly to the dental board — a logistical detail worth knowing before you begin. Michigan also carries a universal human trafficking training requirement for all new applicants and at every renewal — one of a growing number of states to mandate this as part of ongoing licensure. Here’s a full 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
  • Hold a degree from a CODA-accredited dental school or equivalent qualifying program
  • Pass all required examinations for their chosen pathway
  • Hold a current CPR certification
  • Complete human trafficking training

The Five Pathways

1. Standard Pathway

The primary route for new dental graduates, this pathway requires passing a board-accepted regional clinical examination alongside national board scores, a Michigan jurisprudence examination, and a mandatory infection control course.

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 regional clinical examination accepted by the Michigan Board of Dentistry
  • Completion of a Board-approved infection control course
  • Current CPR certification
  • Passing score on the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination

Steps to licensure: Submit your application through Michigan’s online licensing system, MiPLUS, and pay the required fee. Provide official transcripts from your dental school, NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, proof of infection control course completion, and a copy of your current CPR certification. Complete the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination on Michigan dental laws and rules.

2. Licensure by Endorsement

Michigan’s endorsement pathway is available to experienced out-of-state dentists who hold a current license in another state and have been in active clinical practice within a defined timeframe. At three years of active practice, Michigan’s threshold is more accessible than many states — though standard examination and training requirements still apply.

Requirements:

  • A current, valid dental license in good standing in another U.S. state
  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental program
  • Passing scores on the NBDE or INBDE
  • Passing score on a regional clinical examination
  • At least three years of active dental practice immediately preceding your application

Additional steps: Submit your application through MiPLUS and pay the required fee. Provide verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a dental license, documentation of your active practice history — such as employer letters or tax records — and complete a criminal background check.

3. Educational Limited License

Michigan’s educational limited license is designed for dentists participating in hospital-based specialty programs or those employed by a dental school to gain hands-on clinical experience. It is a scoped license tied directly to the qualifying program or institutional employment rather than independent clinical practice.

Requirements:

  • Current enrollment in a hospital-based specialty program in Michigan, or current employment by a Michigan dental school
  • A dental degree from a CODA-accredited program or equivalent

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for an educational limited license through MiPLUS. Provide proof of your enrollment in a specialty program or your employment at a dental school, along with your dental degree credentials.

4. Faculty License

Michigan’s faculty license is available to dentists employed at CODA-accredited dental schools in the state. The pathway recognizes both teaching and clinical experience, making it accessible to dentists coming from a variety of professional backgrounds.

Requirements:

  • Current employment as a faculty member at a CODA-accredited dental school in Michigan
  • 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 through MiPLUS. Provide proof of your employment at a qualifying Michigan dental school, your dental degree credentials, and documentation of your teaching or clinical experience.

5. Special Volunteer License

Michigan’s special volunteer license is one of the more specific volunteer pathways in the country — it is available only to dentists who practiced for at least 20 years before retirement and previously held an unrestricted Michigan license. If you meet those criteria and want to continue contributing through volunteer care at healthcare facilities, this license provides a formal structure for doing so.

Requirements:

  • A prior unrestricted dental license in Michigan
  • Retirement from active dental practice
  • At least 20 years of active dental practice prior to retirement
  • A commitment to use the license exclusively for volunteer services

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for a special volunteer license through MiPLUS. Provide proof of your previous Michigan licensure and retirement status, and submit a signed affidavit confirming that the license will be used solely for volunteer services at qualifying healthcare facilities.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Michigan dental licenses must be renewed every three years, with 60 hours of continuing education required per renewal cycle. All licensees must also complete human trafficking training at each renewal — this is a mandatory, recurring requirement rather than a one-time obligation.

All licensees must maintain a current CPR certification throughout their time in practice in Michigan.

Additional Notes

The Michigan Board of Dentistry reserves the right to request additional documentation or an interview from any applicant during the review process. Respond promptly to any Board communications to avoid unnecessary delays in your application timeline.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website or contact the Michigan Board of Dentistry directly. Applications are submitted through the MiPLUS online licensing portal. Requirements are subject to change, and confirming the latest details before you apply is always the right first step.