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 Louisiana
- Fingerprint results that reach the board before the application and fee are rejected, and the applicant pays for a second check.
- A personal nitrous oxide permit now covers any Louisiana office; office nitrous permits are no longer issued.
- Louisiana CE rules also apply to Louisiana licensees practicing in other states.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Louisiana license by credentials?
A dentist with a current license in another state who practiced at least 1,000 hours a year for the last three years can apply by credentials; the application fee is $2,000. Since a 2024 law, Louisiana residents licensed elsewhere for a year, on a clinical exam with a hand skills assessment, have their own credentials route.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: At least 1,000 hours a year for the 3 years immediately before applying
Citation: LAC 46:XXXIII; La. Acts 2024, No. 253; Louisiana State Board of Dentistry licensing page
Which clinical exams does Louisiana accept?
The board qualifies exam applicants on the ADEX exam completed within five years of applying (three years for hygienists). Scores are valid for initial licensure for five years.
- ADEX accepted
Does Louisiana require a jurisprudence exam?
Each dentist and hygienist applicant passes a written exam on Louisiana jurisprudence and ethics, based on the Dental Practice Act and board rules.
- Jurisprudence or law exam
Is Louisiana in the dental compact?
Louisiana is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Louisiana require a sedation permit?
Dentists need a personal permit for nitrous oxide, moderate sedation or general anesthesia, and offices need an inspected office permit for any level above nitrous. Moderate and general permit holders complete six hours of related CE each renewal.
- Separate sedation permit
What hygienists need to know in Louisiana
Hygienists with a current license elsewhere and at least 1,000 practice hours in the past year can apply by credentials. The board has separate hygiene applications for local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
- Local anesthesia permit for hygienists
Do dental assistants need a Louisiana registration?
The board does not regulate dental assistants generally, but issues certificate confirmations for Expanded Duty Dental Assistants who complete an approved EDDA course, BLS and an approved radiology course ($100).
- No assistant registration
Does Louisiana require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Louisiana offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
Restricted licenses cover dentists in Louisiana postgraduate programs and dental education instructors; they expire every June 30.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Louisiana dental license renew?
Licenses renew every two years and expire December 31. Dentists complete 30 hours of CE, 20 of them personally attended, including a one-time three-hour opioid course; hygienists complete 20. CE is reported through CE Broker.
- Renews every 2 years
- 30 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Louisiana?
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.