Oklahoma Dental License

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

A dentist with a general license in good standing elsewhere, at least 500 hours of practice in the past five years and a regional exam substantially equivalent to Oklahoma's can apply by credentials. The applicant sends letters of good standing from every state ever licensed and takes only the jurisprudence exam.

• Licensure by credentials available
• Practice required: at least 500 hours of practice within the previous 5 years

Citation: 59 O.S. 328.21(H)

Which clinical exams does Oklahoma accept?

ADEX lists Oklahoma as accepting its dental exam. For licensure by examination, the clinical exam must have been passed within the previous five years.

• ADEX accepted

Does Oklahoma require a jurisprudence exam?

All dentist and hygienist applicants, including those applying by credentials, pass a written jurisprudence exam on Oklahoma's dental laws and rules.

• Jurisprudence or law exam

Is Oklahoma in the dental compact?

Oklahoma has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (2026), but no state issues compact privileges yet. Practicing here takes a Oklahoma license.

• Compact enacted, not issuing

Does Oklahoma require a sedation permit?

Oklahoma requires board permits for pediatric enteral conscious sedation, parenteral conscious sedation and general anesthesia, with training standards set by board rule.

• Separate sedation permit

Does Oklahoma issue specialty licenses?

Oklahoma issues dental specialty licenses, such as dental public health, endodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery, after the jurisprudence exam and any other required steps.

• Specialty license or permit

What hygienists need to know in Oklahoma

Hygienists qualify by credentials with 420 practice hours in the past five years and a substantially equivalent regional exam. Local anesthesia is an advanced procedure permit; by credentials it takes two years holding the permit elsewhere and a passed CDCA-WREB-CITA local anesthesia exam.

• Hygienist licensure by credentials
• Local anesthesia permit for hygienists

Do dental assistants need a Oklahoma registration?

Dental assistants work under a board-issued permit after a background check and must finish a board-approved infection control class within a year. Expanded duty and oral and maxillofacial surgery assistant permits are also issued.

• Assistant or EFDA registration

Does Oklahoma offer a temporary or restricted dental license?

Special volunteer licenses are issued for one calendar year without fees, and dental student intern, resident and fellowship permits renew yearly.

• Temporary or restricted license available

How often does a Oklahoma dental license renew?

Every license and permit runs January 1 to December 31 and renews each year. CE is due every two years and must include live in-person CPR, an ethics class and, for dentists, two hours on opioid and scheduled drug prescribing.

• Renews every year