Dentist License Requirements

Healthcare · Very High Difficulty · 8 years

Live DataLast updated: April 13, 2026·Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards

Verified

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing BoardsUpdated: 2026 dataHow we compile →

Education

DDS/DMD (4 years post-bachelor)

Required Exam

NBDE Parts I & II + Regional/State

Avg Initial Fee

$500

Median Salary

$170,910

Renewal Period

Every 2 year(s)

CE Hours / Cycle

40 hours

Required in All States?

Yes

State-by-State Dentist License Requirements

State	Required	Fee	State Wage	Difficulty	CE Hours
Alaska	Yes	$620	$185,800	Very High	40
Alabama	Yes	$611	$149,280	Very High	40
Arkansas	Yes	$640	$151,480	Very High	40
Arizona	Yes	$399	$168,400	Very High	40
California	Yes	$484	$202,290	Very High	40
Colorado	Yes	$442	$191,240	Very High	40
Connecticut	Yes	$413	$195,730	Very High	40
District of Columbia	Yes	$530	$205,970	Very High	40
Delaware	Yes	$520	$176,200	Very High	40
Florida	Yes	$614	$172,400	Very High	40
Georgia	Yes	$425	$165,530	Very High	40
Hawaii	Yes	$417	$201,870	Very High	40
Iowa	Yes	$456	$160,290	Very High	40
Idaho	Yes	$375	$164,110	Very High	40
Illinois	Yes	$363	$174,720	Very High	40
Indiana	Yes	$642	$163,000	Very High	40
Kansas	Yes	$560	$160,160	Very High	40
Kentucky	Yes	$637	$151,570	Very High	40
Louisiana	Yes	$399	$160,200	Very High	40
Massachusetts	Yes	$635	$196,740	Very High	40
Maryland	Yes	$357	$194,450	Very High	40
Maine	Yes	$538	$175,890	Very High	40
Michigan	Yes	$403	$166,870	Very High	40
Minnesota	Yes	$637	$180,600	Very High	40
Missouri	Yes	$648	$164,140	Very High	40
Mississippi	Yes	$519	$144,630	Very High	40
Montana	Yes	$582	$168,120	Very High	40
North Carolina	Yes	$556	$166,700	Very High	40
North Dakota	Yes	$545	$161,310	Very High	40
Nebraska	Yes	$364	$166,380	Very High	40
New Hampshire	Yes	$620	$187,230	Very High	40
New Jersey	Yes	$418	$196,080	Very High	40
New Mexico	Yes	$433	$163,190	Very High	40
Nevada	Yes	$516	$168,460	Very High	40
New York	Yes	$368	$203,100	Very High	40
Ohio	Yes	$636	$162,140	Very High	40
Oklahoma	Yes	$601	$155,090	Very High	40
Oregon	Yes	$390	$185,150	Very High	40
Pennsylvania	Yes	$528	$171,750	Very High	40
Puerto Rico	Yes	$518	$138,940	Very High	40
Rhode Island	Yes	$400	$183,600	Very High	40
South Carolina	Yes	$562	$163,000	Very High	40
South Dakota	Yes	$379	$161,440	Very High	40
Tennessee	Yes	$460	$161,420	Very High	40
Texas	Yes	$518	$167,450	Very High	40
Utah	Yes	$491	$167,580	Very High	40
Virginia	Yes	$545	$177,680	Very High	40
US Virgin Islands	Yes	$488	$164,610	Very High	40
Vermont	Yes	$432	$181,520	Very High	40
Washington	Yes	$457	$195,540	Very High	40
Wisconsin	Yes	$434	$174,200	Very High	40
West Virginia	Yes	$387	$148,020	Very High	40
Wyoming	Yes	$488	$159,200	Very High	40

Highest Paying States for Dentist

District of Columbia$205,970 New York$203,100 California$202,290 Hawaii$201,870 Massachusetts$196,740 New Jersey$196,080

Lowest Fee States for Dentist

Maryland$357 fee Illinois$363 fee Nebraska$364 fee New York$368 fee Idaho$375 fee South Dakota$379 fee

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LicenseWize Editorial TeamData Specialists

The LicenseWize editorial team aggregates and verifies licenses data from Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

✓ Sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards✓ Quarterly review✓ No paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common healthcare licenses in the US?

The most common healthcare licenses include Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Pharmacist, Dentist, Physical Therapist, and EMT/Paramedic. Each state has its own licensing board and requirements, though many share similar education and exam standards through national licensing exams like the NCLEX.

How much does it cost to get a healthcare license?

Healthcare licensing fees vary widely by profession and state. Initial application fees typically range from $75 for an LPN to $400+ for a Pharmacist. However, the total cost including education, exam fees, and background checks can be significantly higher. For example, an RN license requires a nursing degree ($10,000-$80,000) plus NCLEX exam fee ($200) plus state application ($100-$300).

Do healthcare licenses transfer between states?

Most healthcare licenses do not automatically transfer between states. However, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in 40+ member states with a single license. Other professions typically require applying for licensure by endorsement, which may have reduced requirements if you already hold a license in another state.

What continuing education is required for healthcare professionals?

Continuing education (CE) requirements vary by profession and state. Registered Nurses typically need 20-30 CE hours per renewal cycle (every 2 years). Pharmacists often need 30 hours per cycle. Physical Therapists usually need 20-40 hours. CE must generally be from approved providers and may include specific topics like ethics, opioid prescribing, or cultural competency.

How long does it take to get a healthcare license?

Processing times vary significantly. After completing education and passing the required exam, state board processing can take 2-8 weeks for most healthcare licenses. Factors that can delay approval include background check results, verification of out-of-state credentials, and application completeness. Some states offer temporary permits while applications are being processed.

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