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 Hawaii
- Hawaii accepts only the ADEX dental exam and offers no exam-free route for most dentists moving from another state.
- Hygienists must hold local anesthesia certification just to qualify for a Hawaii license.
- A license is forfeited automatically for missed CE or a bounced renewal check.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Hawaii license by credentials?
Hawaii has no general credentials route: a dentist licensed elsewhere still sends ADEX results along with license verification and an NPDB self-query. The exception is a community service license without exam, limited to work for an FQHC, the health department or similar programs, after three years at 1,000 hours a year or a recent National Board pass.
- No credentials route: full application
Citation: HAR § 16-79-11; HRS § 448-9.6 (as amended by Act 100, SLH 2023)
Which clinical exams does Hawaii accept?
The board states that only the ADEX dental exam is accepted for dentist licensure. Hygienists may use the CRDTS, WREB, CDCA or SRTA hygiene exam.
- ADEX accepted
Is Hawaii in the dental compact?
Hawaii is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Hawaii require a sedation permit?
A dentist needs a written authorization or permit from the board to give, or employ someone else to give, general anesthesia, deep sedation or moderate sedation. Permits renew every two years, and the board may re-evaluate facilities, equipment and staff at any time.
- Separate sedation permit
What hygienists need to know in Hawaii
Hygienists are licensed on a regional hygiene exam, with a community service license for safety-net employers. Hawaii requires certification in intraoral infiltration and block anesthesia to qualify for licensure, and the board issues separate certifications for each.
- Local anesthesia permit for hygienists
Do dental assistants need a Hawaii registration?
Board rules list the supportive procedures dental assistants may perform under a dentist's direct supervision and the duties they may not perform; they create no assistant license or registration.
- No assistant registration
Does Hawaii offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
A temporary license without exam covers dentists enrolled in an accredited postdoctoral residency, valid only within the residency. Community service licenses cover safety-net employers.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Hawaii dental license renew?
Licenses renew by December 31 of each odd-numbered year. Dentists need 32 CE hours per biennium plus three hours of ethics each year; hygienists need 20. Missing CE forfeits the license.
- Renews every 2 years
- 32 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Hawaii?
Hawaii has no exam-free credentials route, so a dentist licensed elsewhere goes through the full application. 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.