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 North Carolina
- Dentists licensed in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia or South Carolina get a credentials license by statute if that state also issues credentials licenses to North Carolina dentists.
- Having ever failed a North Carolina board exam bars the credentials route.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a North Carolina license by credentials?
License by credentials requires a CODA-accredited DDS or DMD, five years of active practice, no discipline anywhere, no disqualifying convictions, no failed North Carolina board exam, and passing jurisprudence and sterilization and infection control exams. Dentists from bordering states that reciprocate get the license by statute; holders of a North Carolina instructor's license have their own route.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 5 years of active practice immediately before applying
Citation: N.C.G.S. 90-36
Which clinical exams does North Carolina accept?
ADEX lists North Carolina as accepting its dental exam. Credentials applicants must have passed examinations of proficiency satisfactory to the board.
- ADEX accepted
Does North Carolina require a jurisprudence exam?
Credentials applicants for dentistry and dental hygiene pass North Carolina exams in jurisprudence and in sterilization and infection control.
- Jurisprudence or law exam
Is North Carolina in the dental compact?
North Carolina is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does North Carolina require a sedation permit?
The board regulates general anesthesia and enteral and parenteral sedation through a permit process, with fees for permit applications, annual permit renewals and office inspections. Oral premedication for minimal sedation (anxiolysis) is not treated as enteral sedation.
- Separate sedation permit
What hygienists need to know in North Carolina
Hygienists licensed elsewhere qualify by credentials with the same jurisprudence and infection control exams. Local anesthesia needs board approval after an approved course and two years of practice, is given under a dentist's direct supervision, and requires two CE hours a year on anesthesia.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
- Local anesthesia permit for hygienists
Does North Carolina require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does North Carolina offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
North Carolina offers provisional licenses, intern permits, instructor's licenses and a limited volunteer dental license.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a North Carolina dental license renew?
All dental licenses renew annually, and the board sets the CE hours and course rules.
- Renews every year
Licensing in North Carolina?
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.