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 Connecticut
- Connecticut is a residency state for new graduates: initial licensure rests on a one-year CODA residency, with a patient-free clinical exam allowed in its place.
- The statute cut the endorsement practice requirement from five years to one, effective January 1, 2020, but the Department of Public Health web page still lists five years.
- Sedation and general anesthesia permits renew every year, separately from the license.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Connecticut license by credentials?
The Department of Public Health can license a practicing dentist without examination if the other state's standards, apart from the practical exam, match Connecticut's current ones. Applications are online only, verifications come from every state ever licensed, and the fee is $569.75.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 1 year of continuous work as a licensed dentist immediately before applying (statute since 2020; the DPH page still says 5)
Citation: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-110
Which clinical exams does Connecticut accept?
Initial licensure requires at least one year of a CODA-accredited general practice or specialty residency. The State Dental Commission may accept a clinical exam in lieu of the residency, and since July 2021 such exams may not require patients. ADEX lists Connecticut as accepting its dental exam.
- ADEX accepted
Is Connecticut in the dental compact?
Connecticut is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Connecticut require a sedation permit?
Moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia each require a permit renewed every year; minimal sedation does not. The first permit needs an approved on-site facility evaluation and a $200 fee.
- Separate sedation permit
Does Connecticut issue specialty licenses?
No specialty license exists, but a dentist may announce a practice limited to a recognized specialty only after two years of advanced education in it and notice to the Dental Commission.
- No specialty license
What hygienists need to know in Connecticut
Hygienists licensed in a state with similar or higher standards can be licensed without examination for $150. No separate permit is issued for local anesthesia: a hygienist may give infiltration and mandibular blocks after an accredited course with 20 didactic and 8 clinical hours.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
Do dental assistants need a Connecticut registration?
The statute defines dental assistants by training and expanded function dental assistants by passing the DANB CDA or COA exam plus an accredited EFDA program; it sets no state registration for either.
- No assistant registration
How often does a Connecticut dental license renew?
Dental licenses renew every year. At renewal a dentist attests to 25 contact hours of continuing education earned in the previous 24 months, including infection control and other mandatory topics. Hygienists need 16 hours in 24 months.
- Renews every year
- 25 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Connecticut?
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.