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 Illinois
- Illinois licenses dental specialties separately, so a specialist moving in needs a general license and a specialist license.
- Renewal runs on a three-year cycle ending September 30.
- Dentists who prescribe controlled substances also need a separate Illinois controlled substance license.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Illinois license by credentials?
Dentists, dental specialists and hygienists licensed elsewhere can be licensed by endorsement after lawfully practicing at least three of the last five years, if the other state's requirements are at least equal to Illinois's. Applicants send certification from the original state and every state practiced in within five years, plus JCNDE scores. The dentist fee is $750.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 3 of the last 5 years of lawful practice
Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1220.410, 1220.415
Which clinical exams does Illinois accept?
The rules accept the CDCA-WREB-CITA (ADEX), CRDTS or SRTA exam passed in its entirety, including restorative, periodontal, prosthodontic and endodontic portions. Never-licensed applicants must have passed within five years of applying.
- ADEX accepted
Is Illinois in the dental compact?
Illinois is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Illinois require a sedation permit?
Dentists apply to the Division for a dental sedation permit ($300, renewed for $300 every three years). The rules set separate standards for minimal sedation and higher levels in the dental office.
- Separate sedation permit
Does Illinois issue specialty licenses?
Illinois licenses dental specialists, including endodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, orthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery (four years of training) and dental anesthesiology. Applicants must already hold an Illinois dentist license.
- Specialty license or permit
What hygienists need to know in Illinois
Hygienists licensed elsewhere qualify by endorsement on the same three-of-five-years rule; the fee is $300. New hygienists need an accredited program, the national hygiene board exam, an accepted clinical exam and BLS.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
Does Illinois offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
Illinois offers a temporary visiting dentist permit ($100), a temporary dental or dental hygienist permit, a temporary training license and a restricted faculty license without exam.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Illinois dental license renew?
Licenses renew every three years; the prerenewal period is the 36 months before September 30 of the renewal year. Dentists complete 48 hours of continuing education and hygienists 36.
- Renews every 3 years
- 48 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Illinois?
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.