How to Become a Dentist in Missouri
Missouri, the “Show-Me State,” lives up to its name when it comes to dentistry — with a well-established educational infrastructure, two accredited dental schools, and a diverse mix of urban and rural communities in need of skilled oral health professionals. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Kansas City, the pace of a small-town practice, or the mission of serving underserved communities, Missouri offers a compelling environment to build a dental career. Here’s what you need to know to get licensed and practicing in the state.
Step-by-Step Path to Licensure
1. Complete Your Undergraduate Education Begin with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a pre-dental program. Dental schools weigh your science GPA heavily during admissions, so prioritize strong performance in courses like anatomy, organic chemistry, and microbiology. Most applicants complete a full four-year degree, though some dental programs will consider students after three years if all prerequisites are met.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) The DAT is a standardized exam required by all accredited dental schools and administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). It tests natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most competitive applicants aim for a score of 19 or higher. The exam is available year-round at Prometric testing centers, and the majority of students invest six months to a year in focused preparation before sitting for it.
3. Apply to and Complete Dental School Apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) to accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) programs. Both degrees are clinically equivalent. Dental school is a four-year program: the first two years emphasize biomedical science and preclinical coursework, while the final two years shift to hands-on patient care and the development of clinical competency across all areas of general dentistry.
4. Pass the National Board Examination All dental graduates must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), a comprehensive written exam that evaluates knowledge across the full breadth of dental disciplines. The INBDE replaced the older two-part board structure and is typically completed during the final year of dental school.
5. Pass a Clinical Examination Missouri requires applicants to pass a clinical examination accepted by the Missouri Dental Board. These exams test hands-on competency in patient care and are administered by regional testing agencies. Confirm which exams are currently approved by the Board at the time you apply, as accepted providers are subject to change.
6. Apply for Licensure with the Missouri Dental Board Once your exams are complete, submit your application to the Missouri Dental Board with all required documentation — including verified transcripts, exam scores, proof of CPR certification, and applicable fees. Review the Board’s requirements thoroughly and ensure your application is complete before submitting to prevent unnecessary processing delays.
7. Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education Missouri requires licensed dentists to complete 50 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain active licensure. CE credits can be earned through accredited dental associations, university programs, professional conferences, and a wide range of approved online providers.
Dental Schools in Missouri
Missouri is home to two accredited dental schools, each with a distinct identity and mission.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry — Kansas City, MO Established in 1881, UMKC School of Dentistry is one of the oldest dental schools in the United States and carries with it a deep tradition of excellence in dental education. It offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and is recognized for its innovative curriculum, strong research culture, and robust community outreach programs. Students benefit from extensive clinical exposure in a major metropolitan area, with access to a wide and diverse patient population throughout their training.
A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health — Kirksville, MO Founded in 2013, ATSU-MOSDOH is one of the newer dental schools in the country, but its mission is sharply defined and deeply impactful. It offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree with a model built around addressing oral health disparities and preparing graduates for practice in underserved and rural communities. Students spend a significant portion of their clinical training embedded in community health center settings across Missouri and beyond — an experience that sets ATSU-MOSDOH graduates apart in terms of real-world readiness and public health orientation.
Additional Considerations
Residency Programs A residency is not required for general dentistry licensure in Missouri, but completing a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program is a meaningful investment. These programs develop advanced clinical skills and are particularly valuable for dentists who plan to work in hospital, federally qualified health center, or community-based settings.
Specialization If you have an interest in a dental specialty — such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, or oral and maxillofacial surgery — plan for two to three additional years of specialty training after dental school. These programs are competitive, and board certification in your specialty is increasingly expected by both employers and patients.
Loan Repayment Assistance Dental school carries a significant financial cost, but Missouri participates in loan repayment programs that provide relief for dentists who commit to practicing in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Both state-level programs and federal options through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) are available and worth researching well before graduation.
Licensure by Credentials Dentists who are currently licensed and in good standing in another state may be eligible to pursue licensure in Missouri through a credentials-based pathway. This option can streamline the process considerably for experienced practitioners relocating to the state, provided they meet the Missouri Dental Board’s established requirements.
Rural and Underserved Practice Missouri has a large and dispersed rural population, and access to dental care outside major urban centers remains an ongoing challenge. Dentists willing to practice in smaller communities frequently find reduced competition, strong community ties, and meaningful financial incentives — alongside the satisfaction of providing care where it is genuinely needed.
Community Health and Outreach Both of Missouri’s dental schools have strong community health orientations, and that culture extends into professional practice statewide. Many Missouri dental practices participate in school-based screenings, free clinic events, and public health initiatives — offering dentists consistent opportunities to contribute beyond the walls of a private practice.
Research Opportunities For dentists drawn to academic medicine or translational research, both UMKC and ATSU-MOSDOH offer pathways into scholarly work. UMKC in particular, as a long-established research institution in a major metro area, provides access to collaborative research programs, faculty positions, and graduate-level dental education.
Final Thoughts
The road to becoming a dentist in Missouri demands years of rigorous preparation, sustained clinical training, and genuine professional commitment. But Missouri rewards that effort with a career landscape that is both stable and varied — from thriving urban practices in Kansas City and St. Louis to mission-driven rural clinics serving communities that have historically gone without.
Whether you train at one of Missouri’s two dental schools or arrive with your degree from another accredited program, you’ll enter a professional community that supports your development and a state with real, ongoing demand for skilled dental care. For those ready to show their dedication, Missouri is a state that will show you exactly what a meaningful career in dentistry can look like.