Your dentist license does not automatically work across state lines
Each state licenses dentists independently through its own dental board. Your license from one state has no legal standing in another state, even if you pass the same national exam. To practice dentistry in a new state, you must go through that state's licensing process — which may mean passing additional exams, submitting new paperwork, or meeting different education requirements.
The path forward depends on whether the state you are moving to recognizes licenses from other states (called reciprocity) or requires you to test again. Some states have reciprocal agreements with many others; some have none. A few states let you transfer based on your national board scores alone. Most require you to contact their dental board directly to learn what they will and will not accept from your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the dental board in your destination state before you move — reciprocity rules vary widely and determine whether you test again or transfer directly.
- Most states require official transcripts from your dental school, verification of your current license, and proof of continuing education hours completed in your home state.
- Some states accept the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) scores alone; others require you to pass their own state-specific exam or a regional exam like the CODA-NERB.
- Processing times range from four weeks to several months depending on the state and whether you need to sit for an exam.
- Temporary or limited licenses are sometimes available while your full license process is pending, allowing you to work under supervision.
How reciprocity works and which states have it
Reciprocity means one state agrees to honor a license issued by another state without requiring you to test again. The catch: reciprocity is not automatic and not universal. Some states have reciprocal agreements with 20 or more other states; some have none. A state may recognize licenses from certain states but not others, or may accept reciprocity only if you meet additional conditions — such as having practiced for a minimum number of years or having passed the NBDE within a certain timeframe.
The Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Southern Regional Examining Board (SREB), and the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB) administer regional exams that many states accept as equivalent to their own. If you passed one of these exams in your home state, your destination state may accept that score without requiring you to test again. However, you still must submit your process, transcripts, and verification of licensure.
To find out whether your destination state has reciprocity with your current state, contact that state's dental board directly — do not rely on secondhand information. The board's website usually lists reciprocal states or will tell you over the phone. Ask specifically whether they accept your regional exam score or require their own exam.
Documents you will need to gather
Every state requires official verification of your current dental license. This is not a copy you print yourself — it is a formal document issued by your home state's dental board, usually sent directly to your destination state's board. You must request this from your current state's board; the process typically takes one to two weeks.
You will also need official transcripts from your dental school. Contact your school's registrar and ask them to send transcripts directly to your destination state's dental board. Some states require transcripts to show specific coursework or clinical hours; ask the destination board what they need before you request them.
Most states require proof of continuing education (CE) hours completed since your last license renewal. Gather documentation showing the CE courses you took, the hours completed, and the dates. Some states accept only CE from accredited providers; others are more flexible. Your destination state's board will specify which CE providers they recognize.
You may also need to provide proof of malpractice insurance, a criminal background check, or letters of reference from colleagues or your current dental board. Check your destination state's process form to see what is required before you start gathering documents.
States that require you to test again
If your destination state does not have reciprocity with your current state, or if you do not meet their reciprocity conditions, you will need to pass an exam. Some states require their own state-specific exam; others accept the NBDE or a regional exam you may have already passed.
States that require their own exam typically offer it several times per year. You must register with the state board, pay an exam fee (which varies by state, often between $500 and $1,500), and schedule a test date. Exam preparation materials are usually available through the state board or through commercial test prep companies. The exam itself may be computer-based or administered at a testing center, depending on the state.
If you already passed the NBDE or a regional exam in your home state, check whether your destination state accepts those scores. Many do, but some require scores to be no older than a certain number of years — commonly five to ten years. If your scores are too old, you may need to retake the exam or take a state-specific exam instead.
How long the transfer process takes
Timeline depends on whether you need to test. If your destination state recognizes your current license through reciprocity and you have all documents ready, the process typically takes four to eight weeks from the date you submit your complete process. The state board must verify your license with your home state, review your transcripts and CE documentation, and issue your new license.
If you must take an exam, add the time needed to register, prepare, and sit for the test — usually two to four months. After you pass, the board still needs time to process your process and issue your license, adding another four to six weeks.
Processing times vary by state. Some dental boards are faster than others; some have process backlogs during busy seasons. Contact your destination state's board and ask for their current processing time before you move. Some states publish this information on their website.
Temporary or limited licenses while you wait
Some states issue temporary or limited licenses that allow you to work while your full license process is pending. These are not available in every state and have restrictions — you may be required to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist, or your scope of practice may be limited to certain procedures.
If you need to start working before your full license is issued, ask your destination state's dental board whether a temporary license is available and what the requirements are. You typically must have submitted your full process and be in good standing in your current state. The temporary license usually expires after a set period — often 90 to 180 days — or when your full license is issued, whichever comes first.
What to do before you move
Start by contacting your destination state's dental board at least two months before your planned move. Ask for their process packet, a list of required documents, and information about reciprocity or exam requirements. Many boards have this information on their website, but calling or emailing ensures you get the most current details and can ask questions specific to your situation.
Request official verification of your license from your current state's board. This process can take time, so start early. At the same time, request official transcripts from your dental school and gather your CE documentation.
If you must take an exam, register as soon as you know the requirement. Exam dates fill up, especially in popular months, so do not wait until after you move to register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice dentistry in my new state before my license is issued?
Not legally, unless you have a temporary or limited license issued by that state. Working without a valid license is illegal and can result in fines, criminal charges, and loss of your license. Some states offer temporary licenses while your process is pending, but you must ask about this and meet their requirements. Do not assume you can work under someone else's supervision without formal authorization.
What if my dental school is no longer in business?
Contact your destination state's dental board and explain the situation. Many boards have procedures for verifying education when the school no longer exists. You may be able to provide alternative documentation, such as diplomas, course records, or affidavits from former instructors. The board will tell you what they can accept.
Do I need to retake the NBDE if I passed it years ago?
That depends on your destination state. Some states accept NBDE scores regardless of age; others require scores to be no more than five to ten years old. Check your destination state's requirements before you move. If your scores are too old and the state requires current scores, you will need to retake the exam.
How much does it cost to transfer my license?
Costs vary by state but typically include an process fee ($100 to $500), exam fees if required ($500 to $1,500), and fees for official transcripts and license verification ($50 to $200 total). Some states charge additional fees for background checks or fingerprinting. Contact your destination state's board for a complete fee schedule.
Can I hold a license in two states at the same time?
Yes. You can maintain your license in your home state while obtaining a license in your new state. However, you must pay renewal fees in both states and meet continuing education requirements in both. Some dentists do this if they plan to practice part-time in their home state or want to keep their license active there. Check whether your home state allows this and what the renewal requirements are.