Ohio Dental License

Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Ohio license by credentials?

Ohio's universal recognition law requires the board to license a dentist who holds a substantially similar license in another state for at least one year, has practiced in one of the last five years and is in good standing everywhere licensed. The board may waive the time requirements.

• Licensure by credentials available
• Practice required: license held at least 1 year, with active practice in 1 of the last 5 years

Citation: ORC 4715.10(F); ORC 4796.03

Which clinical exams does Ohio accept?

Ohio accepts a passing score from CRDTS, NERB, CDCA, SRTA, CITA or WREB, a board exam, or completion of a CODA-accredited dental residency in place of a clinical exam. ADEX lists Ohio as accepting its dental exam.

• ADEX accepted

Does Ohio require a jurisprudence exam?

The standard license route requires a written jurisprudence exam given by the State Dental Board. Whether the board also requires it under the universal recognition route was not confirmed.

• Jurisprudence or law exam

Is Ohio in the dental compact?

Ohio has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (2024), but no state issues compact privileges yet. Practicing here takes a Ohio license.

• Compact enacted, not issuing

Does Ohio require a sedation permit?

Ohio issues a general anesthesia permit and a conscious sedation permit, $127 each, with training, ACLS, facility equipment and inspection standards set by rule. A dentist holding a general anesthesia permit in another state can be issued one under the universal recognition law.

• Separate sedation permit

What hygienists need to know in Ohio

Hygienists licensed in another state are licensed under the universal recognition law. Block and infiltration anesthesia under a dentist's direct supervision requires a board-approved CODA program course and a state or regional written exam within 18 months; the statute sets no separate permit.

• Hygienist licensure by credentials

Do dental assistants need a Ohio registration?

Expanded function dental auxiliaries must register with the board. Dental x-ray machine operators need a separate radiographer license.

• Assistant or EFDA registration

Does Ohio require fingerprints?

• Fingerprint background check

Does Ohio offer a temporary or restricted dental license?

Ohio issues limited resident and limited teaching licenses without examination for dental college and hospital programs, plus a volunteer certificate for retired dentists treating indigent and uninsured patients.

• Temporary or restricted license available

How often does a Ohio dental license renew?

A dentist license is valid two years from issuance and is registered for further two-year periods ($312). Dentists complete at least 30 CE hours biennially and attest to them by sworn affidavit.

• Renews every 2 years
• 30 CE hours per cycle