The practice of dentistry or use of the title "dentist" within New York State requires licensure.

To be licensed as a dentist in New York State initially or through endorsement you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• meet education requirements;
• meet examination requirements;
• meet experience requirements; and
• complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.

You must file an application for licensure and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material.

The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 133, Section 6604 of New York State Education Law and Part 61 of the Commissioner's Regulations.

License Fees: (As of November 2021)
The fee for licensure and first registration is: $377. The fee for a limited permit is: $105

 

Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased. Do not send cash.

Learn More at https://www.op.nysed.gov/dentists

The Department must also receive, directly from the residency program director, verification of completion of an approved residency program accredited for teaching purposes by an acceptable national accrediting body. You should confirm with your residency program director that the residency program is participating in this route to licensure.

Specialty Clinical Dental Residency Program

The dental resident applicant must complete a clinical specialty residency program in one or more of the following specialty areas:

• Endodontics;
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology;
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology;
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery;
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics;
• Pediatric Dentistry;
• Periodontics or Prosthodontics.

If the specialty residency program is not in one of these specialty areas, 50% of the program completed by the resident must include clinical training in one or more of these specialty areas or general dentistry to meet New York State requirements.

General Dentistry Residency Program

The dental resident applicant must complete a general dentistry program. During the residency program, the dental resident applicant must complete 9 dental procedures independently and to generally accepted professional standards:

• 2 full crowns;
• 2 endodontically treated teeth (root canals);
• 4 restorations (2 anterior, 2 posterior);
• 1 periodontal case (Type 1).