Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What dentists miss in Alabama
- Alabama trains some hygienists on the job through the board-run Alabama Dental Hygiene Program, which requires two years of chairside dental assisting first.
- Renewal is annual, not biennial; a license not registered by January 1 is automatically suspended.
- A credentials applicant must agree in writing to be interviewed if the board asks.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Alabama license by credentials?
Dentists and hygienists licensed in a state with equivalent exam standards can apply by credentials after five years or 5,000 hours of clinical practice or full-time teaching. The board also wants a written jurisprudence exam, two peer affidavits, DEA and data bank clearance, and agreement to an interview.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 5 years or 5,000 hours immediately preceding the application
Citation: Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-9-10; Ala. Admin. Code r. 270-X-2-.19
Which clinical exams does Alabama accept?
ADEX lists Alabama among the jurisdictions that accept the ADEX dental exam for initial licensure.
- ADEX accepted
Does Alabama require a jurisprudence exam?
Credentials applicants must pass a written jurisprudence examination.
- Jurisprudence or law exam
Is Alabama in the dental compact?
Alabama is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Alabama require a sedation permit?
Separate permits cover general anesthesia, parenteral or moderate sedation, and oral conscious sedation. General anesthesia and parenteral sedation permits require an on-site evaluation by two permit-holding dentists, with observed cases and simulated emergencies; a temporary permit lasts up to 90 days until that evaluation.
- Separate sedation permit
What hygienists need to know in Alabama
The credentials rule covers hygienists on the same terms as dentists: five years or 5,000 hours of practice, a jurisprudence exam and board verification. Hygienists renew every year with 12 hours of continuing education.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
How often does a Alabama dental license renew?
Dentists register every year for a period running October 1 to September 30. Each year needs 20 hours of continuing education, at least 10 of them live, including CPR, one hour on controlled substance prescribing, one on infection control and one on ethics.
- Renews every year
- 20 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Alabama?
For a license, we prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, request your verifications, and track it to a decision; you complete, sign and submit the application. License by credentials is $799 per state.