What you need to do to get your New York dental license active again
To reinstate a New York dental license, you must contact the New York State Department of Health, Division of Professional Licensing Services and submit proof that you meet current requirements — which depend on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed fewer than three years ago, you may only need to pay a reinstatement fee and renew your continuing education credits. If it has been inactive longer than three years, you will likely need to pass a practical examination, a written examination, or both, depending on the specific circumstances of your lapse.
The reinstatement path is not automatic. The Department of Health reviews each request individually and may require additional documentation, such as proof of malpractice insurance, evidence of recent clinical practice, or letters from other dentists vouching for your competency. Starting the process early — before you need to practice — gives you time to complete any required exams or coursework without pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New York State Department of Health, Division of Professional Licensing Services directly to learn what reinstatement requirements explore to your specific situation.
- Licenses inactive for fewer than three years typically require a reinstatement fee and proof of continuing education; longer lapses usually require passing an examination.
- You must demonstrate that you meet current New York dental practice standards, which may include malpractice insurance and proof of recent clinical experience.
- The reinstatement review process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you have a job offer or practice opportunity waiting.
How long your license has been inactive determines what you must show
New York distinguishes between a lapsed license (one you let expire by not renewing) and a suspended or revoked license (one the Department of Health took action against). Reinstatement for a lapsed license is generally more straightforward than reinstatement after suspension or revocation, but both require you to prove you are still fit to practice.
If your license lapsed within the last three years, you will need to submit a reinstatement process, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof that you have completed the continuing education hours required during the period your license was inactive. New York requires dentists to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, so the Department will want to see documentation of courses you have taken since your license lapsed.
If your license has been inactive for more than three years, the Department typically requires you to pass the New York State Board of Dentistry written examination, the practical examination, or both. In some cases, you may be asked to complete additional coursework in specific areas of dentistry to demonstrate that your knowledge is current. The exact requirements depend on how long you have been out of practice and whether there have been significant changes to dental regulations or standards during that time.
Gather your documents before you submit your reinstatement request
The Department of Health will ask for specific paperwork. Have these items ready before you contact them: your original license number, a completed reinstatement process form (available on the Department of Health website), proof of your current malpractice insurance or a letter from your insurance carrier stating your coverage dates, and documentation of any continuing education you have completed since your license lapsed.
You will also need to provide a detailed explanation of why your license lapsed and what you have been doing professionally during the inactive period. If you have been working in a related field — such as dental research, public health, or dental education — include documentation of that work. If you have been out of dentistry entirely, be prepared to explain your plans for returning to practice and how you intend to refresh your clinical skills.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need additional documentation: a copy of the Department of Health's order of suspension or revocation, evidence that you have addressed the underlying reason for the suspension or revocation (such as completion of a rehabilitation program, payment of outstanding fines, or successful completion of a monitoring agreement), and letters of support from other licensed dentists or professional colleagues.
Submit your request to the Division of Professional Licensing Services
Mail your completed reinstatement process and all supporting documents to the New York State Department of Health, Division of Professional Licensing Services, at the address listed on their website. Include a cover letter that briefly summarizes your request and lists all enclosed documents. Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records.
The Department will send you a written acknowledgment that your request has been received. This acknowledgment will include a reference number you can use to track your process. Do not assume your request is complete until you receive this acknowledgment. If you do not hear from the Department within two weeks of mailing your process, call their office to confirm receipt.
Expect to take an examination if your license has been inactive for more than three years
If the Department determines that you must pass an examination to reinstate your license, they will notify you in writing of which examination or examinations you must take. The written examination covers the same content as the initial licensure exam and tests your knowledge of dental science, clinical practice, and New York State dental law. The practical examination tests your clinical skills and typically takes place at a testing center designated by the Department.
You will need to register for your examination separately and pay the examination fee. The Department will provide you with information about testing dates, locations, and registration important date. Plan for several months between the time you receive notice that you must take an exam and the time you actually sit for it — this gives you time to study and refresh your skills if you have been out of practice for a long time.
Some dentists returning to practice after a long absence find it helpful to complete a refresher course or to work under supervision in a dental office before taking the practical examination. While New York does not require this, it can help you feel more confident and may improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Plan for the timeline from submission to active license
The reinstatement process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time the Department receives your complete process. If your process is incomplete, the Department will send you a letter asking for additional information, which will extend the timeline. If you must take an examination, add another four to twelve weeks depending on when the next examination date is available.
Once the Department approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license certificate in the mail. Your license number will be the same as your original license number. You can begin practicing as soon as you receive written approval from the Department — you do not need to wait for the physical certificate to arrive, though you should keep the approval letter with you until the certificate arrives.
If you have a job offer or practice opportunity that depends on your license being active, inform your potential employer of the timeline and provide them with a copy of your Department acknowledgment letter. Many employers will allow you to begin work once you have received written approval from the Department, even if the formal certificate has not yet arrived.
What happens if the Department denies your reinstatement request
The Department may deny your reinstatement request if you have not met the requirements for your specific situation, if there are unresolved disciplinary issues on your record, or if you cannot demonstrate that you are fit to practice. If your request is denied, the Department will send you a written explanation of the reasons for the denial and information about your right to request a hearing.
You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge to challenge the Department's decision. This hearing is a formal proceeding where you can present evidence and testimony in support of your reinstatement. If you believe the denial was in error or if you have new information that addresses the Department's concerns, a hearing may be worth pursuing. You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing to help you prepare for a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice dentistry while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice dentistry with a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license. If you need to work in a dental setting while your reinstatement is pending, you may be able to work as a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or in a non-clinical role, depending on your other credentials and the employer's needs. Once you receive written approval from the Department, you may begin practicing as a dentist.
Do I have to retake the written exam if my license lapsed less than three years ago?
No. If your license lapsed fewer than three years ago, you typically do not need to retake any examination. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee, provide proof of continuing education, and submit your reinstatement process. The Department may ask you to take an exam if there are other circumstances — such as a disciplinary history — but a straightforward lapse within three years usually does not require it.
What if I let my malpractice insurance lapse along with my license?
You will need to obtain new malpractice insurance before the Department will approve your reinstatement. Contact an insurance broker who works with dentists to get a quote. Some insurers may ask questions about the gap in your coverage or your time away from practice, but you should be able to obtain coverage. Once you have a policy in place, provide the Department with proof of coverage as part of your reinstatement process.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies and depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you must take an examination. Contact the Division of Professional Licensing Services directly for the current fee schedule. You will also need to pay for any required examinations separately, and those fees are set by the testing organization, not by the Department of Health.
Can I reinstate my license if it was revoked for disciplinary reasons?
Reinstatement after revocation is possible but more difficult than reinstatement after a straightforward lapse. You will need to demonstrate that you have addressed the underlying reason for the revocation and that you are fit to practice. This often requires documentation of rehabilitation, completion of monitoring agreements, or letters of support from other dentists. Contact the Department of Health to learn what specific requirements explore to your case.