How to Become a Dentist in North Dakota
North Dakota presents a distinctive opportunity for dental professionals. With a significant and well-documented shortage of dentists — particularly in rural and tribal communities — the state actively needs committed practitioners, and offers meaningful incentives to attract them. While the path to dentistry in North Dakota requires studying out of state, the professional rewards of returning to serve this underserved population are considerable. Here’s a complete guide to navigating that journey.
Step 1: Complete Your Undergraduate Education
Your path to dental school begins at the undergraduate level. While no single major is required, most successful applicants study biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related health science. Regardless of your major, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics — all with competitive grades.
Dental school admissions are selective, and a GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally recommended. Beyond academics, use your undergraduate years to gain meaningful experience through dental shadowing, volunteer work, research, and involvement in pre-dental organizations. For North Dakota students, connecting early with practicing dentists in the state can provide valuable mentorship and insight into the local dental landscape.
Step 2: Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized examination required for dental school admission nationwide. It evaluates your knowledge across four areas: natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most applicants sit for the DAT during their junior year of undergraduate study, allowing time to retake it if needed before applications are submitted.
A strong DAT score is one of the most heavily weighted components of your dental school application, so dedicated and structured preparation is essential.
Step 3: Apply to Dental School
Dental school applications are submitted through the American Dental Education Association’s centralized platform, ADEA AADSAS. Your application will include official transcripts, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Because North Dakota does not have a dental school within the state, residents must apply to programs in neighboring states or other regions.
Dental Education in North Dakota
North Dakota does not currently have a traditional dental school, so aspiring dentists from the state will need to pursue their education elsewhere. Several programs in the region have a strong history of accepting North Dakota residents and are worth considering:
- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry — Minneapolis, MN
- Creighton University School of Dentistry — Omaha, NE
- University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics — Iowa City, IA
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry — Lincoln, NE
Researching which of these programs offers reciprocal or regional tuition arrangements, and which has the strongest track record of placing graduates in rural or underserved settings, can help guide your decision.
A note on support for American Indian students: The University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences offers the Indians Into Medicine (INMED) Program, which provides academic support and resources for American Indian students pursuing health careers — including dentistry. While not a dental school itself, INMED can be an invaluable resource for pre-dental students navigating the path to out-of-state programs.
Step 4: Complete Dental School
Dental school is a four-year, full-time commitment that combines foundational biomedical science coursework with extensive hands-on clinical training. Graduates earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) — both are equivalent credentials that qualify you for licensure and independent practice.
Step 5: Pass the National Board Dental Examination
Before applying for licensure, you must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), a comprehensive assessment covering the biomedical and clinical knowledge required for competent dental practice.
Step 6: Pass a Clinical Examination
North Dakota requires applicants to pass a clinical examination accepted by the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners. The Board accepts results from the CDCA-WREB-CITA examination, administered through the Coalition for Dental Licensure Reform. This hands-on examination evaluates your ability to perform clinical dental procedures to the standard required for independent practice.
Step 7: Apply for Your North Dakota Dental License
With your educational credentials and examination scores in hand, you’re ready to apply for licensure through the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners. Your application will require proof of education, examination results, criminal background check documentation, and all applicable fees. Once approved, you’ll be authorized to practice dentistry in the state.
Maintaining Your License
North Dakota dental licensees must complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their license in good standing. Staying current ensures compliance with state requirements while keeping your clinical skills and knowledge at a high level throughout your career.
North Dakota’s Dental Landscape
Understanding the state’s dental environment is important context for any dentist considering practice in North Dakota.
Rural Access Challenges: North Dakota has a sparse and geographically dispersed population, and dental care access — particularly in rural and tribal areas — is an ongoing public health concern. For dentists motivated by service and community impact, this need represents a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Loan Repayment Programs: North Dakota offers loan repayment programs for dentists who commit to practicing in designated underserved areas of the state. Given the significant cost of dental education, these programs can provide substantial financial relief while helping address critical access gaps.
Dental Workforce Initiatives: The state actively recruits dental professionals through workforce development programs and provides support for new graduates transitioning into practice in North Dakota. Connecting with these programs early — ideally before or during dental school — can ease your path back to the state after graduation.
Teledentistry: North Dakota is increasingly exploring teledentistry as a tool to extend dental care access into remote communities where in-person services are limited. Dentists with an interest in technology-enabled care delivery may find this an exciting dimension of practice in the state.
The Outlook for Dentistry in North Dakota
The demand for dental services in North Dakota is expected to remain strong, driven by the state’s persistent provider shortage, growing awareness of oral health’s connection to overall wellbeing, and continued investment in rural healthcare infrastructure. For dentists willing to embrace the unique rewards of serving a state with genuine need, North Dakota offers the kind of professional purpose and community connection that is increasingly rare — and deeply fulfilling.
For the most current licensure requirements and application materials, contact the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners directly or visit their official website.