Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry, operating under the Rhode Island Department of Health, is the governing body responsible for licensing and regulating dentists in the state. Whether you’re a new graduate, a practicing clinician relocating from another state, a dental educator, or a retired dentist looking to volunteer, Rhode Island has a licensing pathway suited to your circumstances. Here’s a comprehensive look at each option and what the process entails.
General Requirements
All applicants, regardless of pathway, must satisfy the following baseline requirements before a license can be issued:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Have graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Have passed the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
- Have passed a clinical examination accepted by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry
Pathways to Licensure
1. Initial Licensure by Examination
This is the standard pathway for dentists who have recently completed their dental education and are entering clinical practice for the first time.
Requirements
Beyond meeting all general requirements, applicants must pass one of the following board-accepted clinical examinations: the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA), the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), or the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB). Applicants must also pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination, which assesses knowledge of the state’s dental laws and regulations.
Application Steps
Submit a completed application to the Rhode Island Department of Health along with all required supporting documentation and applicable fees. See the Application Process section below for a full list of required materials.
2. Licensure by Credentials (Endorsement)
This pathway is intended for experienced dentists who hold an active license in another U.S. state and are seeking to bring their practice to Rhode Island.
Requirements
Applicants must hold a current, active dental license in good standing from another state and must have been engaged in active clinical practice for at least five years immediately preceding the application. You’ll also need to provide proof of 40 hours of continuing education completed within the past two years and pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination.
Application Steps
Submit a completed application along with verification of your out-of-state licensure, documentation supporting your active practice history, and your continuing education certificates, plus all required fees.
3. Academic License
The academic license is available to dentists who are employed as full-time faculty at an accredited dental school in Rhode Island.
Requirements
Applicants must be graduates of a CODA-accredited dental program and hold a full-time faculty appointment at an accredited Rhode Island dental institution. The academic license is limited strictly to teaching duties at the specified institution and does not authorize general dental practice in the state.
Application Steps
Submit a completed application with proof of your faculty appointment and dental degree credentials, along with the required fees. Applicants must also pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination.
4. Volunteer License
The volunteer license enables retired dentists to contribute their skills to underserved communities in Rhode Island through pro bono dental services.
Requirements
Applicants must hold, or have previously held, a valid and unrestricted dental license in Rhode Island or another U.S. state, and must commit to providing services without any form of compensation in approved settings. Applicants must also pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination.
Application Steps
Submit a completed application with verification that your previous license was held in good standing, along with the required fees.
Application Process
All applicants will move through the following steps, regardless of the licensing pathway:
- Obtain and complete the application form from the Rhode Island Department of Health
- Submit all required supporting documents, which typically include:
- Official transcripts from your dental school
- NBDE or INBDE scores
- Clinical examination scores
- Proof of current CPR certification
- Verification of licensure from any other states where you’ve held a license (if applicable)
- Pay all applicable application and licensing fees
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Pass the Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination
Maintaining Your License
To remain in good standing as a licensed dentist in Rhode Island, you must:
- Renew your license biennially by June 30th of even-numbered years
- Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include at least 2 hours on infection control and 2 hours specifically covering opioid pain management and appropriate prescribing practices
- Maintain a current CPR certification throughout the renewal period
Additional Requirements
All Rhode Island dental licensees are required to complete a one-time, 2-hour course on the identification and reporting of abuse and neglect. Dentists who provide anesthesia or sedation services must also comply with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry’s rules governing those services, which may include obtaining additional permits.
Specialty Licenses
Rhode Island offers specialty licenses in all recognized dental specialties for clinicians who have pursued advanced training beyond general dentistry. To obtain a specialty license, you must meet all requirements for general dentistry licensure in Rhode Island, complete a CODA-accredited specialty education program, and pass the applicable specialty board examination. A separate specialty license application, along with the required documentation and fees, must also be submitted.
For the most current requirements, fees, and application materials, contact the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Board of Examiners in Dentistry directly or visit their official website.