Dentists and dental hygiene licenses expire 12/31/2025. You cannot practice without a current license. It is your responsibility to renew your license even if you do not receive a notice. It is your responsibility to ensure the Board has your current contact information, including email address, on file.
Hygienists Online Renewal Form
Dental assistants do not renew until next year and expire 12/31/2026.
RENEWAL TIPS:
A registered dental hygienist or a dentist may place a license on inactive status. A dentist or dental hygienist on inactive status shall be excused from paying renewal fees for license but shall pay the annual inactive status renewal fee. To maintain inactive status, the inactive status renewal application and $40 application fee must be received by the Board by December 31st annually. While on inactive status, the licensee may not engage in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene in the state until the individual submits a reinstatement application, pays the application fee, and meets any additional requirements established by rule of the Board. Continuing education is not required while the licensee remains on inactive status, However, continuing education is required to reinstate a license.
Inactive Renewal Notice & Application – 2026 Inactive Renewal form for dentists & hygienists
1. What do I need to renew online?
A current email address and a method of payment: Most major credit cards accepted (not American Express)
2. What happens once I renew my license online?
A confirmation notice is sent via email. The license or registration can be verified on the Board's Verification & Roster page. Certificates will NO LONGER be mailed out.
3. I am newly licensed. Do I need to renew my license?
Yes. Regardless of when you are licensed during the two-year period, a renewal application and fee is required. The initial license application fee for licensure covers the Board’s time and resources involved in processing a new license. However, a license who has graduated from any CODA accredited programs within two years of the renewal deadline is exempt from sending the continuing education. CPR must be maintained at all times. A newly licensed by credential applicant may utilize CE taken within the previous two years of the renewal deadline, even if the CE was provided during the initial license application process. The renewal fee renews the license for the following 24-month period.
4. I did not receive the renewal notice, will I be charged the late fee?
Yes, if not renewed by December 31st. Renewal notices are emailed on November 1. The law requires all licensees to notify the Board of any address changes including email address. If you didn't receive a renewal notice by mid-November, call the Board's office immediately.
5. It wasn't my fault! The office manager did not send my renewal applications and they were postmarked after December 31. Will l incur a late fee?
Yes. The practitioner is responsible for the timely renewal of license.
6. Is there a “grace” period?
The license expires if not renewed by December 31st. All practitoiners may late renew for up to 60 days following December 31. Late fees apply. During this time period, although the license can be renewed, practitioners are prohibited from practicing with an expired license. Once the license renewal and fees have been confirmed by the Board, the practitioner may resume practice. A dental assistant may not provide any expanded duties if the registration is not renewed but may continue to provide minimal duties as provided by Administrative Rules.
Dentists and Dental hygienists renew license by December 31 of odd numbered years. Registered dental assistants [RDA/QDA] renew registration by December 31 of even numbered years.
7. If I did not renew during the 60-day grace period, can I renew the license?
Dentists and hygienists may late renew for a period of one year after licensure expiration--note that additional late fees apply. No, you must reapply for ND licensure.
8. When can I place my license on inactive status?
Dentists and hygienists may place their license on inactive status. When the license is due for renewal, download the inactive status application. While on inactive status, the dentist/hygienist may not engage in the practice of dentistry in the state until the dentist applies for reinstatement, pays the fee and meets any other requirement established by Administrative Rules.
2026 Inactive Renewal form for dentists & hygienists
9. If my license is inactive, can I have my license reinstated?
A dentist or hygienst holding an inactive license may apply to have their license reinstated.
10. If I am retired or my license is on inactive status, do I need to renew each biennial renewal period?
No. Inactive status must be maintained annually. Licensees who have submitted the “inactive status” application receive notice to renew the status annually around mid-October. If the renewal for the inactive status is not received by the Board, the inactive status is cancelled. The annual fee applies. Continuing education is not required. The licensee may not practice dentistry in North Dakota once the license is placed on inactive status.
11. When do registered dental assistants renew registration?
Assistants must renew registration by December 31 of even numbered years.
