According to the Joint Commission on Dental Examinations (JCNDE), states may vary in the requirements for licensing but all have three basic requirements: appropriate dental school education, written exam and clinical exam. These requirements are for general dentistry licensure. The written exam is the National Board Dental Examination. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), all states use this test for licensure requirements.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists can become licensed in nine specialties. To become licensed in a specialty, you have to complete postgraduate training. This postgraduate training can run from two to four years and an additional licensing test administered by the state may be required. According to the BLS, most states allow dentists to hold both a general and specialized license.
Dentists who wish to advance to teaching dentistry or conducting dental research must complete advanced dental training, according to the BLS. This advanced dental training focuses on research methods, teaching methods and training in completing both.
Continuing education is important as new advances are continually being made in the health fields. To provide patients with an acceptable level of care, dentists must be trained and educated in new techniques and research. The number of credit hours you will have to complete depends upon the state. In New York, dentists are required to complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years.