What you need to do to get your Connecticut dental license back
To reinstate a Connecticut dental license, you must contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, and submit a reinstatement request along with proof that you meet current requirements. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered. Connecticut does not automatically restore licenses — you must take action and pay a reinstatement fee.
The state treats licenses inactive for fewer than five years differently from those inactive longer. If your license lapsed within the last five years, the path is shorter. If it has been inactive for five years or more, you may need to complete continuing education or pass a practical exam to show you are still competent to practice.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission directly to request reinstatement forms and learn your specific requirements based on how long your license has been inactive.
- Licenses inactive for fewer than five years typically require a reinstatement fee and proof of current malpractice insurance, but not additional exams.
- Licenses inactive for five years or longer may require you to complete continuing education hours or pass a practical examination before reinstatement is granted.
- You must verify that your dental school credentials and any previous disciplinary history are documented in the state's records before submitting your reinstatement request.
Reinstatement requirements based on how long your license has been inactive
Connecticut divides reinstatement into two tracks based on the length of inactivity. If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years, you generally need to submit a reinstatement form, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof of current professional liability insurance. You do not have to retake the licensing exam or complete additional continuing education hours.
If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the requirements are stricter. You must complete continuing education hours to demonstrate that your knowledge is current, or you may be required to pass a practical examination. The exact number of continuing education hours or the specific exam requirements depend on your dental specialty and the state's current rules, so you must confirm this directly with the Dental Commission.
The reinstatement fee varies and is set by the state. You should expect to pay a fee separate from any continuing education costs or exam fees. Contact the Dental Commission to learn the current amount before you submit your request.
How to contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission is the only body that can process your reinstatement. You can reach them by phone, mail, or through their website. The commission's office can tell you exactly which documents you need to submit and whether your specific situation requires continuing education or an exam.
When you contact them, have your license number ready if you know it. Tell them when your license became inactive and whether it expired or you voluntarily surrendered it. The commission staff can then walk you through the next steps and provide you with the official reinstatement form. Do not submit anything until you have confirmed what the state requires in your case.
Documents and proof you will need to submit
You will need to provide proof of current professional liability insurance (also called malpractice insurance). This is required for all reinstatements, regardless of how long your license has been inactive. Your insurance company can issue a certificate of insurance showing that your coverage is active.
You will also need to submit the completed reinstatement form provided by the Dental Commission. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, you may need to provide proof of completed continuing education hours or documentation that you have passed a practical exam. Keep copies of all documents you submit for your own records.
If you have any history of disciplinary action or complaints against your license, the state will already have that information on file. You do not need to report it again, but you should be aware that the commission will review your entire record before approving reinstatement.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your completed reinstatement form and all required documents, the Dental Commission will review your request. This review typically takes several weeks. The commission will verify that you meet all requirements, that your insurance is current, and that there are no outstanding issues with your license.
If the commission approves your reinstatement, you will receive written confirmation and your license will be restored. You can then legally practice dentistry in Connecticut. If the commission needs more information or finds that you do not meet the requirements, they will contact you to explain what is missing or what additional steps you must take.
Continuing education requirements for licenses inactive five years or longer
If your license has been inactive for five years or more, Connecticut may require you to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement. The number of hours required and the types of courses that count toward reinstatement vary. Some courses must be in specific clinical areas, while others can be in general dentistry topics.
You must take these courses from providers approved by Connecticut or by the American Dental Association. Taking a course from an unapproved provider will not count toward your reinstatement requirement. The Dental Commission can provide you with a list of approved providers and tell you exactly how many hours you need and in which subjects.
Practical exam requirements and what to expect
In some cases, Connecticut may require you to pass a practical examination instead of or in addition to continuing education. This exam tests your clinical skills and knowledge of current dental practice standards. The exam is administered by the state or by an approved testing organization.
If a practical exam is required for your reinstatement, the Dental Commission will tell you when and where the exam is offered and what you need to bring. You will need to register for the exam and pay an exam fee. The commission can provide you with study materials or resources to help you prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a Connecticut dental license?
The review process typically takes several weeks after you submit all required documents. If you need to complete continuing education or pass an exam, add the time needed for those steps. Contact the Dental Commission to learn the current timeline for your specific situation.
Can I practice dentistry while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice dentistry in Connecticut unless your license is active. You must wait for the Dental Commission to approve your reinstatement before you can see patients or perform any dental work.
What if I do not remember my license number?
The Dental Commission can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. When you contact them, provide your full name and the year your license was issued or became inactive. They will find your record and provide your license number.
Do I need to retake the written licensing exam to reinstate my license?
If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years, you do not need to retake the written exam. If it has been inactive for five years or longer, you may need to pass a practical exam, but the written exam requirement depends on Connecticut's current rules. Ask the Dental Commission which exams, if any, explore to your case.
What if my professional liability insurance has lapsed?
You must obtain current professional liability insurance before you submit your reinstatement request. Contact an insurance broker who works with dentists to purchase a new policy. Once your insurance is active, you can request a certificate of insurance and include it with your reinstatement process.