Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in New Jersey
New Jersey offers five pathways to dental licensure, covering new graduates, experienced out-of-state clinicians, academic faculty, dental residents, and out-of-state dentists providing short-term charitable care. A few features set New Jersey apart: the credentials pathway requires five professional references — among the highest of any state — and all licensees must complete a one-time opioid prescribing course and obtain separate permits for any sedation services offered. 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 Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
The Five Pathways
1. Standard Pathway
The primary route for new dental graduates, this pathway requires passing a board-accepted clinical examination alongside national board scores, a state jurisprudence exam, and a recent photograph — along with a criminal background check.
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 New Jersey State Board of Dentistry
- Passing score on the New Jersey Jurisprudence Examination
- Current BLS certification
Steps to licensure: Submit your application to the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry along with the required fee. Provide official transcripts from your dental school, NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, a copy of your current BLS certification, and a recent photograph. Pass the New Jersey Jurisprudence Examination and complete a criminal background check.
2. Licensure by Credentials
New Jersey’s credentials pathway is available to experienced out-of-state dentists who meet both a practice history requirement and a continuing education threshold. The most distinctive feature of this pathway is the requirement for five professional references — the highest reference requirement of any state covered in this series — so begin identifying and coordinating your references well before you intend to submit your application.
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 clinical examination
- At least five years of active dental practice immediately preceding your application
- At least 40 hours of continuing education completed in the two years prior to application
Additional steps: Submit 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 — certificates of CE completion, and five professional references. Given the volume of coordination involved, start this process earlier than you think you need to.
3. Limited Teaching License
New Jersey’s limited teaching license is available to dentists employed as faculty members at CODA-accredited dental education programs in the state. Specialty faculty positions carry an additional requirement tied to the relevant CODA-accredited specialty training program.
Requirements:
- Current employment as a faculty member at a CODA-accredited dental education program in New Jersey
- A dental degree from a recognized institution
- Completion of a CODA-accredited dental specialty education program, if the position is in a specialty area
Steps to licensure: Submit an application for a limited teaching license, along with proof of your employment at a qualifying New Jersey dental education program, your dental degree credentials, and — if applicable — documentation of specialty program completion. A criminal background check is required.
4. Limited Resident Permit
New Jersey’s limited resident permit provides a formal authorization for dentists enrolled in residency programs at approved New Jersey healthcare facilities or dental schools. This is not a full dental license, but rather a permit that authorizes clinical practice within the scope of the residency program.
Requirements:
- Acceptance into an approved residency program in New Jersey
- A dental degree from a CODA-accredited program or equivalent
Steps to licensure: Submit an application for a limited resident permit, along with proof of your acceptance into a qualifying New Jersey residency program and your dental degree credentials. A criminal background check is required.
5. Temporary Courtesy License
New Jersey’s temporary courtesy license is a narrowly scoped option for out-of-state dentists who have been invited by a sponsoring entity to provide free dental care in the state for a limited time. It is tied to a specific charitable event or organization and requires sponsorship from a New Jersey-licensed dentist or an approved organization before an application can proceed.
Requirements:
- A current, valid dental license in good standing in another U.S. state
- An invitation from a sponsoring entity to provide free dental care in New Jersey
- Practice limited to a specific charitable event or organization
- Sponsorship from a New Jersey-licensed dentist or approved organization
Steps to licensure: Submit an application for a temporary courtesy license, along with verification of your current licensure in good standing and details of the charitable event or organization you’ll be serving. Secure your sponsorship before submitting your application, as this is a prerequisite rather than a parallel step.
Renewal and Continuing Education
New Jersey dental licenses must be renewed biennially, with 40 hours of continuing education required per renewal period. All New Jersey licensees are also required to maintain professional liability insurance throughout their time in practice in the state.
Two additional compliance requirements apply to all New Jersey dentists:
- A one-time opioid prescribing course must be completed — if you haven’t already fulfilled this requirement, prioritize it early in your licensure.
- Dentists who provide general anesthesia, parenteral sedation, or enteral sedation must obtain a separate permit for each level of sedation offered. Address this permitting requirement before providing any sedation services in your practice.
New Jersey also maintains specific requirements governing infection control practices and sterilization procedures — familiarize yourself with these standards early, as they affect the day-to-day operations of your practice.
Additional Notes
The New Jersey State 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 New Jersey State Board of Dentistry website or contact their office directly. Requirements are subject to change, and confirming the latest details before you apply is always the right first step.