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 District of Columbia
- A dentist licensed on ADEX or NERB, with the periodontal exam, can be endorsed in DC with no minimum years in practice.
- DC requires dental assistants to register and disciplines dentists who employ unregistered ones.
- Ten percent of DC continuing education must cover public health topics the Director names.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a District of Columbia license by credentials?
A dentist currently licensed in another state can apply by endorsement. Those who passed NERB or ADEX, including the periodontal exam, need no minimum practice time. Those licensed on another regional or state exam must show five years of active practice immediately before applying, with at least 850 hours.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: None if licensed on NERB or ADEX; otherwise 5 years immediately before applying, with at least 850 hours
Citation: 17 DCMR § 4209
Which clinical exams does District of Columbia accept?
Licensure by examination requires the ADEX exam, patient-based or not, and the periodontal section is optional for that route. Endorsement applicants relying on NERB or ADEX must have passed the periodontal exam.
- ADEX accepted
Does District of Columbia require a jurisprudence exam?
The rules require every applicant to pass the DC Dental Law Examination, but the board's current application document list marks the take-home law exam as waived.
Is District of Columbia in the dental compact?
District of Columbia is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does District of Columbia require a sedation permit?
Dentists and dental facilities need a separate certification from the board to administer sedation or general anesthesia, under their own chapter of the DC regulations.
- Separate sedation permit
What hygienists need to know in District of Columbia
Hygienists licensed in another state can apply by endorsement; those licensed on an exam other than NERB must meet an active practice requirement. A separate DC rule governs local anesthesia and nitrous oxide given by hygienists.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
Do dental assistants need a District of Columbia registration?
Since September 17, 2012, anyone working as a dental assistant in DC must be registered with the board, and dentists who let unregistered assistants work face discipline. A 2026 incentive policy reduces penalties for assistants who come forward to register.
- Assistant or EFDA registration
Does District of Columbia require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
How often does a District of Columbia dental license renew?
Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education in the two years before the license expires, including infection control, ethics, two hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 10 percent on DC public health priorities, plus CPR. DC Health is moving all licenses to expire on the last day of the holder's birth month.
- Renews every 2 years
- 30 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in District of Columbia?
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.