Licensure for Dental Professionals

Dentists must complete a minimum of 40 CEUs each two-year renewal cycle, which runs from April 1 to March 31 of even years.

Learn how to apply for initial licensure as a dentist and/or renew an existing dental license in Massachusetts.

• Renew Your Dental License and Permits
• Apply for a Dental License

Dental hygienists must complete a minimum of 20 CEUs every two-year renewal cycle, which spans from April 1 to March 31 of odd-numbered years.

Learn how to apply for a dental hygienist license, local anesthesia permit, or a mobile or portable permit (Permit M) in Massachusetts.

• Apply for a Dental Hygienist License
• Renew your Dental License & Permits

If you are a dentist who is foreign-trained or a graduate of a non-CODA program and you do not have a United States dental license, you may apply for a dental intern limited license (commonly referred to as a limited license). A licensee who has been initially issued a dental intern limited license by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry (BORID) pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 45A, may apply to the Board annually to renew his or her limited license(s) for a maximum of five one-year periods.

A licensee, upon permission of BORID, must take the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) or successor examination required by BORID. A limited license dental intern who completes and passes the CDCA may thereafter apply to BORID annually to renew his or her license to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth in settings specified in M.G.L. c.112, § 45A and in compliance with 234 CMR 8.02(2).

Locations Where a Limited License Dentist Can Practice

An applicant must have secured employment before applying for a limited license. This license permits the recipient to perform all the duties of a dentist, but only in designated locations. According to M.G.L. Chapter 112, Section 45, the locations a limited license dentist can practice include:

• Prisons
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Public clinics under the supervision of a dentist
• Practice in a private office is not permitted

Learn how to apply for an initial limited dental intern license or limited dental faculty license in Massachusetts.

Dental assistants must complete a minimum of 12 CEUs each two-year renewal cycle, which runs from November 1 to October 31 of odd years.

Learn how to apply for or renew a dental assistant license in Massachusetts.

• Apply for a Dental Assistant License
• Renew Your Dental Assistant License
• On-Job-Trainee (OJT) Dental Assistant Reference Guide