South Dakota Dental License

Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a South Dakota license by credentials?

A dentist licensed in another state can be licensed with a CODA-accredited degree, a current license, 3,000 clinical hours in the past five years, national boards, a board-approved clinical exam, a South Dakota law exam and no pending discipline. The board must judge the other state's requirements the same as or higher than South Dakota's.

• Licensure by credentials available
• Practice required: 3,000 clinical hours in the 5 years before applying

Citation: SDCL 36-6A-47

Which clinical exams does South Dakota accept?

ADEX lists South Dakota as accepting its dental exam. First-time applicants must have passed an approved regional or national clinical exam within five years before applying.

• ADEX accepted

Does South Dakota require a jurisprudence exam?

Every dentist applicant, including one licensed in another state, passes an exam on South Dakota dental laws and rules.

• Jurisprudence or law exam

Is South Dakota in the dental compact?

South Dakota is not a dental compact member.

• Not a compact member

Does South Dakota require a sedation permit?

South Dakota issues separate permits for general anesthesia and deep sedation, moderate sedation and nitrous oxide, plus a host permit for using an outside anesthesia provider. The board inspects sedation offices.

• Separate sedation permit

What hygienists need to know in South Dakota

Hygienists licensed elsewhere qualify with 3,000 clinical hours in the past five years, national boards and a board-approved clinical exam. Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide each take a separate board permit.

• Hygienist licensure by credentials
• Local anesthesia permit for hygienists

Do dental assistants need a South Dakota registration?

South Dakota registers registered dental assistants and dental radiographers, and working as either without registration is a misdemeanor. Registered assistants can also hold a nitrous oxide permit.

• Assistant or EFDA registration

Does South Dakota require fingerprints?

• Fingerprint background check

Does South Dakota offer a temporary or restricted dental license?

A dentist or hygienist licensed in an equivalent state with 1,500 clinical hours in five years, or a recent graduate, can receive a temporary registration to practice with certain public health and nonprofit employers.

• Temporary or restricted license available

How often does a South Dakota dental license renew?

Licenses renew every year by July 1. Dentists complete 100 CE hours per five-year licensure cycle, half of them academic.

• Renews every year
• 100 CE hours per cycle