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 Missouri
- Missouri law bars temporary dental licenses except narrow agency-requested letters for state institutions.
- Each office where sedation or general anesthesia is given needs its own site certificate, separate from the dentist's permit.
- State law lets the board require a state and federal fingerprint background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Missouri license by credentials?
The board grants a license without exam to a dentist licensed in another state for the five consecutive years before applying whose qualifications match Missouri's. By rule it may require the Missouri law exam, and a practical exam if a license was ever denied, revoked or suspended for incompetence or a practical exam was ever failed.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: Licensed in another state for at least 5 consecutive years immediately before applying
Citation: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 332.211
Which clinical exams does Missouri accept?
ADEX lists Missouri as accepting its dental exam for initial licensure.
- ADEX accepted
Does Missouri require a jurisprudence exam?
The statute lets the board require credentials applicants to take the Missouri law exam given to new dentists.
Is Missouri in the dental compact?
Missouri is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Missouri require a sedation permit?
Dentists need a board permit for deep sedation or general anesthesia, or a conscious sedation permit, and every office where those agents are given needs its own board site certificate.
- Separate sedation permit
Does Missouri issue specialty licenses?
Missouri issues specialist licenses in ADA-recognized specialties, by specialty board certification, an accredited specialty program, or certification or licensure in another state.
- Specialty license or permit
What hygienists need to know in Missouri
Hygienists licensed in another state for the two consecutive years before applying can be licensed without exam on equivalent qualifications. Missouri issues no temporary hygiene licenses.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
Do dental assistants need a Missouri registration?
Dentists may delegate reversible procedures to dental assistants, certified dental assistants and expanded functions dental assistants under direct supervision, as board rules allow.
Does Missouri offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
Missouri issues no general temporary dental license, but offers a volunteer license for retired dentists licensed at least ten years and a dental faculty permit for Missouri dental school faculty.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Missouri dental license renew?
Dental licenses renew every two years with 50 hours of continuing education completed in the two years before renewal.
- Renews every 2 years
- 50 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Missouri?
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.