Connecticut licenses practicing out-of-state dentists without examination under General Statutes section 20-110. You need a current license in good standing issued after an exam in a state with commensurate standards, and continuous work as a licensed dentist before applying. The statute says one year; the DPH web page says five. The fee is $569.75.
Connecticut's Department of Public Health (DPH) licenses dentists, working with the State Dental Commission. For a dentist practicing in another state, the route is licensure without examination under Connecticut General Statutes section 20-110. It is a straightforward route with one discrepancy you should resolve before you rely on it: the statute and DPH's web page give different practice requirements.
What does section 20-110 require?
The statute says DPH may "issue a license without examination to a practicing dentist in another state or territory who":
- "holds a current valid license in good professional standing issued after examination by another state or territory that maintains licensing standards which, except for the practical examination, are commensurate with the state's standards," and
- "has worked continuously as a licensed dentist in an academic or clinical setting in another state or territory for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the application."
No license issues to an applicant "against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint." The statute's history notes list Public Act 19-72 as its most recent amendment.
Why does DPH's web page say five years?
DPH's page for dentist licensure without examination states the second condition as working continuously "for a period of not less than five years immediately preceding the application." The statute, as currently published by the Connecticut General Assembly, says one year. If you have between one and five years of continuous practice, ask DPH in writing which standard it applies before you pay. Dentists with five or more years meet both. See years-of-practice rules for licensure by credentials.
What else does the DPH application involve?
- Applications are online only, with a fee of $569.75. DPH notes that $4.75 of it covers its query of the National Practitioner Data Bank.
- License verifications for "all licenses held by the applicant (current or expired) from each state or territory in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed," sent "directly from the source." Most states charge for this, and DPH tells applicants to contact each state for its fee.
- A comparison of standards. DPH compares your original state's statutes and regulations with Connecticut's current requirements, "rather than the requirements met at the time of issuance of the out-of-state license." If DPH finds them not equal, you would have to meet Connecticut's current licensing requirements instead.
- Review time. Once all documents arrive, DPH asks you to "allow four to six weeks for this review."
See license verifications for dentists and hygienists and the NPDB and AADB clearinghouse in a dental application.
How do new graduates get a Connecticut license?
Section 20-107 requires a CODA-accredited dental degree, the Joint Commission's written examinations and "at least one year of a clinically based postdoctoral general practice or specialty dental residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation." Section 20-108 lets the State Dental Commission, with the Commissioner's consent, accept clinical or practical exam results instead of the residency. Since July 1, 2021, or the Commission's approval of patient-free exams if earlier, those exams "shall not require the participation of patients." See your first dental license as a new graduate.
Are anesthesia permits separate?
Yes. Under section 20-123b, a Connecticut dentist may not use moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia without a permit from the Commissioner, issued for twelve months and renewable each year. Minimal sedation needs no permit. An initial permit requires an approved on-site evaluation of your facility. See moving your sedation permit to a new state.
When does a Connecticut license renew?
Connecticut dental licenses renew every year under section 20-113a. Section 20-126c requires at least 25 contact hours of continuing education in the 24 months before renewal, in an area of your practice, with at least one contact hour in certain listed topics. See dental CE requirements across states.
Is Connecticut in the dental compact?
No. Connecticut has not enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, and the compact is not issuing privileges in any state. See the dental compact hub.
How do we help with Connecticut?
Our Dentist License by Credentials service is $799 for Connecticut. We check your practice history against both the statute and DPH's page, request a written answer from DPH if they diverge for you, order every verification so it arrives directly from each board, and give you a question-by-question guide to the online application. You answer, sign, pay DPH and submit from your own account. An anesthesia permit is $699, and Annual Renewal and CE Compliance is $299 per license, per year. State fees are separate. See the Connecticut requirements page or begin with the $149 Dental Licensure Readiness Review.
Common questions
- How many years of practice does Connecticut require?
- Section 20-110 says not less than one year of continuous work as a licensed dentist immediately before applying, but DPH's web page still says five years. If you have fewer than five years, ask DPH in writing which standard it will apply.
- Can I apply for a Connecticut dental license on paper?
- No. DPH says applications for licensure without examination are accepted online only. The fee is $569.75, including $4.75 for the National Practitioner Data Bank query.
- Does Connecticut require patients in its clinical exam?
- No. Since July 1, 2021, clinical or practical exams the State Dental Commission accepts in place of the residency year may not require the participation of patients.
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