Most states license dentists by credentials after a few years of practice, but Florida does not, Delaware requires its own practical exam, and New York requires a residency for initial licensure. Thirteen states have enacted the dental compact, and none issues privileges. Each guide covers credentials, clinical exams, jurisprudence, sedation permits, hygienists, assistants, fingerprints and renewal. Every fact links to its source; anything we could not confirm is marked as not verified rather than guessed.
Wondering about the compact? Where the dental compact stands.
Verified October 9, 2026. The board decides every application; confirm with it before you rely on a detail.
Compare every state
| State | Credentials route | ADEX accepted | Dental compact | Sedation permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| California | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Delaware | No | No | Compact bill pending | Yes |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Florida | No | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Hawaii | No | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Compact bill pending | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Compact bill pending | Not verified |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | Compact bill pending | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| New York | Yes | No | Not a compact member | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| North Dakota | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | Compact bill pending | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Utah | Not verified | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Not verified |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| West Virginia | Not verified | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes | Compact enacted, not issuing | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Not a compact member | Yes |
Want us to prepare it?
License by credentials is $799 and a full application $899; a sedation permit is $699 and a hygienist license $449. Board, exam and fingerprint fees are paid separately. See every price.