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 Kentucky
- Kentucky requires dentists to register each of their dental assistants with the board through the dentist's own renewal.
- Applicants must show English comprehension at a ninth-grade level, tested if needed.
- Hygienist local anesthesia registration lapses into required refresher CE after a year without giving blocks or infiltrations.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Kentucky license by credentials?
A dentist who passed a state, regional or national clinical exam elsewhere and has been licensed and actively practicing at least five of the last six years can apply by credentials. The general requirements still apply: board jurisprudence exam, fingerprint background check, CPR, NPDB explanations and verification of every license held.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 5 of the 6 years before applying, licensed and actively practicing
Citation: 201 KAR 8:533, Sections 1 and 3
Which clinical exams does Kentucky accept?
Exam applicants must have completed all components of the ADEX or CRDTS dental exam within the five years before applying. Graduates applying more than two years out must hold a license elsewhere or complete a board-approved CE plan.
- ADEX accepted
Does Kentucky require a jurisprudence exam?
Every dentist applicant must complete and pass the board's jurisprudence exam.
- Jurisprudence or law exam
Is Kentucky in the dental compact?
Kentucky is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Kentucky require a sedation permit?
The anesthesia regulation sets separate requirements for nitrous oxide, minimal sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation and general anesthesia, with permit renewal, facility certificates and incident reporting. Permits are tied to locations.
- Separate sedation permit
Does Kentucky issue specialty licenses?
Kentucky issues specialty licenses to dentists who hold a Kentucky general license and completed a CODA-accredited specialty program.
- Specialty license or permit
What hygienists need to know in Kentucky
Hygienists licensed and practicing five of the last six years can apply by credentials. Giving infiltration or block anesthesia requires a board local anesthesia registration after an accredited program, under a dentist's direct supervision. Separate registrations cover general supervision, IV access lines and laser debridement.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
- Local anesthesia permit for hygienists
Do dental assistants need a Kentucky registration?
Dentists register every dental assistant in their practice on the dentist's license renewal application. Assistants work under direct supervision, keep current CPR, and the dentist keeps a statement of competency for delegated procedures.
- Assistant or EFDA registration
Does Kentucky require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Kentucky offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
Limited licenses cover students in Kentucky postgraduate programs, dental school faculty and charitable dental services; the charitable license is renewed by repeating the initial process.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Kentucky dental license renew?
Dental licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years. Dentists complete 30 hours of continuing education per two-year period, prorated for new licensees, and keep CPR current.
- Renews every 2 years
- 30 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Kentucky?
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.