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Initial Applications - Dentists

NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE 4/1/2021 (manikin exams accepted):

 Required components of clinical board examination for license by examination shall include a periodontal component, posterior composite or amalgam restoration, a class three restorative procedure, and an endodontic component, and after April 1, 2021, a fixed prosthetic component.  NOTE: Currently, the NDBDE does not require the OSCE component of the ADEX exam. However, candidates should consider portability when deciding whether or not to take the OSCE. Some states require the OSCE component.

License by Examination

A dentist who has passed  a clinical competency exam approved by the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners and also the examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or the National Dental Examining Board of Canada within five years of application may apply to the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners for a license to practice pursuant to the following requirements:

• Has a DDS or DMD diploma from a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
• A completed notarized application and the application fee must be submitted to the Board. In lieu of applications being notarized, the Board accepts current identification documents issued within the last five years. Acceptable ID means a valid driver's license, U.S. passport, or identification card issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States. Attach a copy of the identification to your application.
• Background check results from recognized data sources, health care institutions, licensing agencies, and national and state law enforcement agencies.
• Evidence the applicant has the physical health and visual acuity to enable the applicant to meet the minimal standards of competency.
• Evidence of successfully completing a Board approved cardiopulmonary resuscitation course with two years of application.
• Verification of good standing from each state where the applicant holds or has ever held a professional license.
• Grounds for dental of the application under section 43-28-18 do not exist.
• The applicant has passed the online Jurisprudence examination on ND laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry.
• The Board may require an interview.
• Proof of identity including any name change documentation.
• License by Examination Application Packet

License by Credential Review

 License by Credential Requirements:

• DDS or DMD diploma from a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
• Evidence of current CPR or BLS certification.
• The applicant has physical health and visual acuity to enable the applicant to meet the minimum standards of professional competence. 
• Requirements of 32 hours of continuing education as required by ND Administrative Rule § 20-02-01-06 within 24 months prior to the date the application.
• Applicants may be required to appear at a formal meeting of the Board for an interview.
• Successfully complete the online ND Jurisprudence Examination. 
• Submit to a ND criminal background check. The forms will be mailed to the applicant once the application is received. 

License by Credential Application Packet

Internationally Trained Dentist

Dentists educated outside the United States and Canada who successfully complete a program accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and receive a doctorate of dental surgery or doctorate of dental medicine degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and meet all other requirements of licensure may be issued a license to practice dentistry in North Dakota. Programs that grant a certificate do not satisfy the licensure requirements of the NDBDE. Programs offering certificates will not be accepted. License by Examination - Internationally Trained 

Canadian Dental Applicant: The Canadian National Board is accepted in lieu of the National Board Part I and Part II.  A regional clinical board examination is required for ND licensure.  Applicants must be a graduate of a dental program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.  All other license requirements must be fulfilled.

The North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners will consider the application of a graduate of an unaccredited international dental program who has met the following requirements:

• Awarded a DDS or DMD degree from a two year dental program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. Programs awarding certificates will not be accepted.
• Submits a final, official transcript directly from the non-accredited, foreign school and the ADA-accredited program. A complete transcript of all academic grades in dental school with courses completed, along with pre-dental school transcripts. If the transcripts are not in English, a translated copy must also be provided.  
• Background check results from recognized data sources, health care institutions, licensing agencies, and national and state law enforcement agencies.
• Evidence the applicant has the physical health and visual acuity to enable the applicant to meet the minimal standards of competency.
• Evidence of successfully completing a Board approved cardiopulmonary resuscitation course with two years of application.
• Verification of Good Standing from any jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has ever held a professional license.
• Grounds for dental of the application under section 43-28-18 do not exist.
• The applicant passes the online examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry in this state.
• Evidence of passing an exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or the National Dental Examining Board of Canada AND a clinical competency examination approved by the Board within five years of application. 

License by Examination Application Packet

License by Credential - Internationally Trained Applicants  

A graduate of an unaccredited international dental program may apply for License by Credential if the applicant is or has been licensed and has been actively practicing dentistry for five years immediately preceding application in another jurisdiction where the requirements are at least substantially equivalent to those of this state, pursuant to the following:

• Evidence of passing an examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or the National Dental Examining Board of Canada AND a clinical competency examination approved by the Board. 
• DDS or DMD diploma from a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Programs awarding certificates are not accepted.
• Has met requirements of continuing education as required by ND Administrative Rule § 20-02-01-06 within 24 months prior to the date the NDBDE’s application for License by Credential is received by the NDBDE.
• Successfully completes the online ND Jurisprudence Examination.
• Verification of Good Standing from any jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has ever held a professional license.
•  Submit to a criminal background check. 

License by Credential Packet

Clinical Board Accepted by the NDBDE 

Fees are Nonrefundable 

All fees are nonrefundable even if the applicant is subsequently denied or fails to complete the application. The Board will not discuss or give information regarding the application with anyone other than the applicant. You may periodically review your documents received by the Board.  

Criminal Background Check

The NDBDE will mail appropriate forms to the applicant upon receipt of a completed License by Credential application and fee. Return the fingerprint forms to the NDBDE. Submit both fingerprint cards to the NDBDE with your check or money order  payable to the ND Attorney General. The forms may be completed by local law enforcement or fingerprinting service center which may take digital prints. The process may take up to 14 days. Results shall be received by the board prior to the issuance of a license to practice. Check with local law enforcement for scheduling.

If you have a conviction, or any other incident to report as required by application,  send with the application supporting documentation and/or certified copies of all court documents related to the matter discussed in the petition. Documentation includes, as applicable, a copy of any assessment or evaluation and recommendations for treatment, criminal charges, reported offenses, police reports, judgments, dispositions of criminal complaint, dispositions of offenses, final dispositions, court orders, actions pending, and deferred judgments. Not doing so may delay the licensing process.