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 Michigan
- New Michigan licensees need two hours of implicit bias training and one-time human trafficking training before the license issues.
- A dentist licensed elsewhere under five years generally needs ADEX scores, even with a clean license.
- The board may call an endorsement applicant in for a personal interview.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Michigan license by credentials?
Michigan licenses by endorsement after one year of good standing in another state ($322.40). Dentists licensed under five years must show ADEX, or petition to have a regional or state exam judged equivalent. Those licensed five or more years on a regional or state exam just certify their scores. A criminal background check applies.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 1 year licensed in good standing; under 5 years licensed also requires ADEX scores
Citation: MCL 333.16186; Michigan Dentist Licensing Guide (LARA)
Which clinical exams does Michigan accept?
For licensure by exam, Michigan accepts only the ADEX exam, written and clinical, given by CDCA-WREB-CITA or another regional agency; non-ADEX exams are not accepted.
- ADEX accepted
Is Michigan in the dental compact?
A dental compact bill is pending in Michigan, but it is not a member.
- Compact bill pending
Does Michigan issue specialty licenses?
Michigan issues dental specialty licenses; a dentist must hold the general license first, and specialists complete 20 of their 60 CE hours in their specialty.
- Specialty license or permit
What hygienists need to know in Michigan
No separate permit is issued, but a hygienist may give block and infiltration anesthesia or nitrous oxide to adults only on a dentist's delegation and direct supervision, after an accredited course (15 didactic and 14 clinical hours for local anesthesia).
Do dental assistants need a Michigan registration?
Michigan licenses Registered Dental Assistants, and the law bars practice as a dental assistant unless licensed or otherwise authorized. The board publishes an RDA licensing guide and exam brochure.
- Assistant or EFDA registration
Does Michigan offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
Michigan issues educational, clinical academic and nonclinical academic limited licenses for dentists, with similar limited licenses for hygienists and assistants.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Michigan dental license renew?
Licenses renew every three years. Dentists complete 60 hours of board-approved CE, at least 20 live, including pain and symptom management, ethics and jurisprudence, and infection control, plus current BLS or ACLS and human trafficking training.
- Renews every 3 years
- 60 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Michigan?
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.