How to Obtain a Dental License in South Dakota

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South Dakota offers three pathways to dental licensure, including a dedicated route for military spouses that reflects the state’s commitment to supporting service families navigating relocation. A few features of South Dakota’s framework stand out: the continuing education requirement operates on a five-year cycle rather than the more common biennial schedule, clinical examination scores must have been earned within the past five years to remain valid, and initial licenses expire on December 31st of the year they are issued. 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
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Hold a current CPR certification

The Three Pathways

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

The standard route for new dental graduates, this pathway requires passing a board-accepted clinical examination alongside national board scores and South Dakota’s jurisprudence examination. One important detail: clinical examination scores must have been earned within the past five years to be accepted — older scores will not qualify.

Requirements:

  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Passing score on one of the following clinical examinations accepted by the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry: CRDTS, CDCA, SRTA, or WREB — earned within the past five years
  • Passing score on the South Dakota Jurisprudence Examination
  • Official transcripts from your dental school

Steps to licensure: Complete the online application through the South Dakota Board of Dentistry and pay the required application fee. Submit official transcripts, NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, a recent photograph, and proof of current CPR certification. Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check — allow four to six weeks for processing — and pass the South Dakota Jurisprudence Examination. Upon Board approval, pay the licensing fee to receive your license certificate.

2. Licensure by Credentials

South Dakota’s credentials pathway is available to experienced dentists who hold a current, unrestricted license in another state and have been in active clinical practice within a defined timeframe. The pathway also requires documentation of your malpractice history — a requirement not universally mandated in other states — so have those records organized before you begin your application.

Requirements:

  • A current, valid, and unrestricted dental license in good standing in another U.S. state
  • Active dental practice for at least three of the five years immediately preceding your application
  • Verification of licensure from all states where you currently hold or have previously held a license
  • Proof of continuing education completion
  • Documentation of malpractice history
  • Passing score on the South Dakota Jurisprudence Examination

Steps to licensure: Complete the online application and pay the required fee. Submit all required documentation including licensure verifications, practice history, CE certificates, and malpractice records. Provide a recent photograph, complete the fingerprint-based background check, and pass the South Dakota Jurisprudence Examination. Upon Board approval, pay the licensing fee to receive your license.

3. Military Spouse Pathway

South Dakota offers a dedicated licensure pathway for spouses of active duty military members, recognizing the unique licensing challenges that come with frequent relocation. If you hold a current, valid dental license in good standing from another state and can document your military spouse status, this pathway provides a streamlined route to South Dakota licensure.

Requirements:

  • Current spousal status of an active duty member of the armed forces
  • A current dental license in good standing from another U.S. state
  • Proof of military spouse status
  • Passing score on the South Dakota Jurisprudence Examination

Steps to licensure: Complete the online application and pay the required fee. Submit proof of your current out-of-state licensure and documentation of your military spouse status. Pass the South Dakota Jurisprudence Examination and complete the standard background check process.

Application Process Notes

A few procedural details apply across all pathways and are worth keeping in mind throughout your application:

  • Applications remain active for one year from the date of submission. If your application is not completed within that window, you will need to reapply.
  • Initial licenses expire on December 31st of the year they are issued, regardless of when during the year licensure is granted.
  • Application fees are non-refundable in all circumstances.
  • The background check process — including fingerprint submission — typically takes four to six weeks. Factor this into your timeline, especially if you have a target start date in mind.
  • Incomplete applications may be returned, so ensure all required documents are included before submitting.

Maintaining Your License

South Dakota dental licenses must be renewed annually by the posted deadline. Over each five-year period, dentists must complete 100 hours of continuing education — a longer cycle than most states, but a substantial hour requirement that benefits from consistent planning rather than last-minute accumulation. All licensees must also maintain a current CPR certification throughout their time in practice and remain in compliance with all applicable state regulations.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, contact the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry directly:

P.O. Box 1079 Pierre, SD 57501 Phone: (605) 224-1282 Website: www.sdboardofdentistry.org

Requirements are subject to change, and confirming the latest details with the Board before you apply is always the right first step.