This section contains general information for U.S. dentists and dentists who were educated outside the United States and Canada.

In the United States, the final authority on licensure requirements is the individual state. Though requirements vary from state to state, all applicants for dental licensure must meet three basic requirements; an education requirement, a written examination requirement and a clinical examination requirement. Download the document below for information on each specific requirement.

• State Dental Licensure Requirements for U.S. Dentists | PDF file/64k

The state dental board is the appropriate agency to contact for the most current and up-to-date information about licensure requirements, the state dental practice act, or other licensure-related information.

While the American Dental Association recognizes and supports the the state's right to regulate dental licensure, it has adopted policies on licensure issues, including freedom of movement for dentists, increased standardization of clinical licensing examinations, specialty licensure and the use of human subjects in clinical examinations. Review all of the ADA Current Policies.

The ADA developed the document, “Ethical Considerations When Using Human Subjects/Patients in the Examination Process” as an educational tool for dental students and licensure candidates. It serves to promote awareness of the potential ethical dilemmas faced by candidates during the examination process and to assist in maintaining the welfare of the patient as the profession’s paramount concern.  The document reflects existing ADA policy supporting the elimination of the use of human subjects in the clinical examination process with the exception of the Curriculum Integrated Format (CIF) within dental schools. 

• Ethical Considerations in the Clinical Examination | PDF file/244k

State Boards of Dentistry and Clinical Testing Agencies

State Board information can be found on the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) Web site.

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