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 Massachusetts
- Every dentist renewal includes a sworn attestation about MassHealth participation.
- Massachusetts requires a board license even for dental assistants trained on the job.
- Credentials applicants need a physician's health statement from an exam within the past year.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Massachusetts license by credentials?
A dentist licensed elsewhere on a board-approved exam can be licensed by credentials after five years of practice or dental education, which can include military, public programs, internships and residency. Applicants send letters of standing from every state, two dentist endorsements, a physician's health statement, an NPDB self-query and a passed Massachusetts ethics and jurisprudence exam.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 5 years of practice in dentistry or dental education immediately before applying
Citation: 234 CMR 4.04
Which clinical exams does Massachusetts accept?
The rules accept the CDCA exam or another state or regional exam the board approves. ADEX lists Massachusetts as accepting its dental exam.
- ADEX accepted
Does Massachusetts require a jurisprudence exam?
Dentist applicants pass the Massachusetts Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination or a board-approved successor exam.
- Jurisprudence or law exam
Is Massachusetts in the dental compact?
A dental compact bill is pending in Massachusetts, but it is not a member.
- Compact bill pending
Does Massachusetts require a sedation permit?
Anesthesia and sedation permits are governed by 234 CMR 6.00; applicants for an individual anesthesia permit document the life support training that chapter requires instead of basic CPR.
- Separate sedation permit
What hygienists need to know in Massachusetts
Hygienists licensed in another jurisdiction can be licensed by credentials without further exam, with a transcript, physician's statement and the other documents the rule lists. Hygiene licenses renew by March 31 of odd-numbered years.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
Do dental assistants need a Massachusetts registration?
Since January 1, 2015, dental assistants must be licensed by the board, whether qualified as expanded function (EFDA), certified, formally trained or trained on the job. Assistant licenses renew by October 31 of odd-numbered years.
- Assistant or EFDA registration
Does Massachusetts offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
The board issues a Limited License for qualifying dentists, renewable under its own rule.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Massachusetts dental license renew?
Dentists renew by March 31 of even-numbered years under the CE rules in 234 CMR 8.00. At renewal a dentist attests under penalty of perjury to participating, or applying to participate, in MassHealth as a provider or nonbilling ordering provider.
- Renews every 2 years
Licensing in Massachusetts?
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.