What you need to do to get your Connecticut dental license back
To reinstate a suspended or lapsed dental license in Connecticut, you file a reinstatement petition with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission. The exact steps and fees depend on whether your license was suspended (involuntarily removed due to a violation or unpaid fees) or straightforward lapsed (expired because you did not renew it). Connecticut does not automatically restore your license — you must request it in writing and meet the conditions the state set when it was removed or allowed to expire.
The Connecticut Dental Commission is the state body that oversees all dental licenses. They maintain records of why your license was removed and what you must do to restore it. You cannot practice dentistry in Connecticut with a suspended or lapsed license, and doing so is a criminal offense.
Key Takeaways
- A lapsed license (expired without renewal) and a suspended license (removed by the state) follow different reinstatement paths and have different costs.
- You must submit a written petition to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, not an online form or phone call.
- If your license was suspended, you must show you have met all conditions the Commission set — such as completing continuing education, paying fines, or completing a rehabilitation program.
- Reinstatement fees in Connecticut vary; contact the Dental Commission directly for the current amount and what documents they require from you.
- The Dental Commission will review your petition and notify you in writing of their decision, which typically takes several weeks.
Difference between a lapsed license and a suspended license
A lapsed license expired because you did not renew it by the important date. This is a passive loss — you straightforward let it run out. Reinstatement for a lapsed license is usually straightforward: you pay the reinstatement fee, confirm you meet current continuing education requirements, and submit your petition. The Commission does not need to investigate or hold a hearing.
A suspended license was actively removed by the Connecticut Dental Commission due to a violation, complaint, unpaid fees, or failure to meet a requirement. Reinstatement is more involved. You must show that you have corrected whatever caused the suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid continuing education hours, you must complete those hours and provide proof. If it was suspended due to a complaint or disciplinary action, you may need to show evidence of rehabilitation, completion of a remedial program, or payment of fines.
Before you file a reinstatement petition, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, to find out the exact reason your license was suspended or lapsed and what conditions you must meet to restore it.
How to file a reinstatement petition with the Connecticut Dental Commission
Start by contacting the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, directly. You can reach them by phone or mail to request a reinstatement packet. The packet will include the petition form, a list of required documents, the current reinstatement fee, and instructions specific to your situation.
Complete the petition form and gather the required documents. These typically include proof of your current mailing address, a copy of your original license (if you have it), and documentation that you have met all conditions for reinstatement. If your license was suspended, include evidence that you have completed any required continuing education, paid any fines, or finished any remedial programs the Commission ordered.
Mail the completed petition and all supporting documents to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission. Include the reinstatement fee as instructed. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The Commission will send you a written confirmation that they received your petition.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
Connecticut requires dentists to complete continuing education hours to maintain an active license. If your license lapsed, you must show that you meet the current continuing education requirement before reinstatement. The number of hours required and the types of courses accepted change periodically, so ask the Dental Commission what applies to you.
If your license was suspended specifically because you failed to complete continuing education, you must finish those hours and provide certificates of completion with your reinstatement petition. Courses must be from providers approved by the Connecticut Dental Commission or recognized national dental organizations. Online courses are often accepted, but verify with the Commission that any course you take will count toward reinstatement.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your petition
After the Connecticut Dental Commission receives your petition, they will review it to confirm that you have met all reinstatement conditions. If your petition is complete and you meet all requirements, the review typically takes two to four weeks. If documents are missing or unclear, the Commission will contact you in writing and ask you to submit additional information.
Once the Commission approves your reinstatement, they will send you a written notice and issue a new license. You will not receive a physical license card in the mail; instead, you can verify your active status through the Connecticut Department of Public Health online license lookup. Some dentists request a printed copy of their license for their office; contact the Commission to ask if they can provide one.
If the Commission denies your reinstatement petition, they will explain the reason in writing. You may then request a hearing before the Commission to present additional evidence or argue your case. The hearing process is separate from the reinstatement petition and has its own timeline and procedures.
Fees and payment for reinstatement
Connecticut charges a reinstatement fee, but the amount varies depending on whether your license lapsed or was suspended and how long it has been inactive. Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, for the exact fee that applies to you. Fees are typically paid by check or money order sent with your petition; confirm the accepted payment methods when you request your reinstatement packet.
If your license was suspended due to unpaid fees or fines, you must pay those amounts in addition to the reinstatement fee. Ask the Commission for an itemized statement of what you owe before you submit your petition so there are no surprises.
Contact information for the Connecticut Dental Commission
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, is the only office that can process your reinstatement petition. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask questions about your specific situation, request a reinstatement packet, or check the status of a petition you have already submitted.
When you contact them, have your name, date of birth, and any license number you remember ready. They will look up your file and tell you exactly what you need to do. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or lapsed, they can tell you that as well. Do not assume — ask the Commission directly, because the reinstatement process is different for each situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice dentistry in Connecticut while my reinstatement petition is being reviewed?
No. You cannot practice dentistry with a suspended or lapsed license. Practicing without a valid license is a criminal offense in Connecticut. You must wait until the Dental Commission approves your reinstatement and your license is restored before you see patients or perform any dental work.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission, and ask them to explain the reason. They will provide you with a written summary of the violation or reason for suspension. This information is necessary before you can file a reinstatement petition, because you need to know what conditions you must meet to restore your license.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If your petition is complete and you meet all requirements, reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks from the date the Commission receives your petition. If documents are missing or the Commission needs more information, the timeline will be longer. A denied petition may lead to a hearing, which adds additional time.
Do I have to retake the dental licensing exam to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the licensing exam. You must meet the conditions the Commission set (such as continuing education or payment of fines), but not the exam. If your license was revoked rather than suspended, that is a different process and may require retesting; ask the Commission whether your situation involves revocation or suspension.
What if my reinstatement petition is denied?
The Commission will send you a written explanation of why your petition was denied. You have the right to request a hearing before the Dental Commission to present your case. The hearing is a formal process where you can submit evidence and argue why your license should be reinstated. Contact the Commission for information about how to request a hearing and what the timeline is.