Can dentists practice in different states?

Asked by: Danny Williamson  |  Last update: May 1, 2025
Score: 5/5 (9 votes)

Eligible dentists and dental hygienists can qualify to practice dentistry in multiple states by completing one application within the Compact and receiving separate licenses from each state in which they intend to practice.

Can a US dentist practice in any state?

Most states allow for a dentist to hold licensure in multiple states. This allows dental professionals the ability to move freely throughout the country and continue to practice dentistry based on their current situation.

Can I go to a dentist in a different state?

Can I Use My Dental Insurance in Another State? If you've purchased dental insurance through a well-known insurance provider, you'll likely be covered for treatment provided by out-of-state dental practices. However, smaller insurance carriers may not provide coverage for out-of-state dentists.

Can dentists be licensed in multiple states?

You must have a valid dentist or dental hygiene license in a compact member state and be in good standing. The state you want to work in has to be signed on to the compact. You have to apply to the Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact to gain privileges to practice in another compact state.

Can I go to a dentist not in my network?

This means that if you choose an out -of-network dentist who accepts your insurance plan, you can still get coverage and benefits. The difference is that you will have to pay upfront at the time of service.

Which states you can practice after dental residency?

39 related questions found

Does my dentist need to be local?

You can also visit a dentist outside your local area if it's more convenient. For example, if you prefer to see a dentist near where you work.

Can my dentist refuse to see me?

While dentists, in serving the public, may exercise reasonable discretion in selecting patients for their practices, dentists shall not refuse to accept patients into their practice or deny dental service to patients because of the patient's race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national ...

Which states do dentists make the most money?

Delaware is the highest paid state in the U.S. for dentists with a mean annual salary of $233,860. With a mean annual salary of $311,460, oral and maxillofacial surgery is the highest paying dental specialty.

In what states can you practice dentistry without a license?

Anyone who wants to work as a dentist in any state must first receive the legal authority to do so by getting a state dental license. State license requirements differ slightly, but all states make it a crime to practice dentistry without a license.

What is the best state to get dental work done?

Top 5 states with the best dental health
  • Connecticut: 73.44% (down 2.78 percentage points)
  • South Dakota: 69.24% (up 1.34 percentage points) ...
  • Hawaii: 69.32% (down 3.94 percentage points)
  • Utah: 70.44% (down 1.42 percentage points)
  • Massachusetts: 72.64% (down 1.30 percentage points)

Can a dentist prescribe across state lines?

One of patients' most common questions is whether doctors can write prescriptions across state lines. The short answer is yes, you can prescribe various medications across state lines—at least temporarily.

Which state has the least dentists?

By state, the supply of dentists per 100,000 resident population in 2021 was lowest in Alabama (41.31), Arkansas (41.61), and Mississippi (43.36), and highest in District of Columbia (109.99), Massachusetts (81.99), and Alaska (80.25).

How to transfer a dental license to another state?

How to Transfer Your Dental License to Another State
  1. Research State-Specific Requirements.
  2. Prepare Your Application.
  3. Verify Your Details.
  4. Submit Your Licensing Fees.
  5. Complete Additional Requirements.

Is DMD better than DDS?

The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It's up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

How to move states as a dentist?

Relocating to a different state? You may be able to obtain licensure based on credentials and experience, without further examination. Licensure by credentials is the process by which the state dental board grants licenses to dentists without further clinical examination.

Can dentists call themselves doctor in USA?

Yes, dentists are considered doctors due to their extensive medical training. In the U.S., aspiring dentists must earn an undergraduate degree and undergo four years of dedicated training at an accredited dental school.

What state is the easiest to get into dental school?

List of Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
  • Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. ...
  • East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. ...
  • The University of Utah. ...
  • The University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine. ...
  • Augusta University Dental College of Georgia. ...
  • The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

Can you have a dental license in multiple states?

If you are an eligible dentist or dental hygienist, you can qualify to practice across state lines, or in multiple Compact states if you meet the Compact's eligibility requirements.

Can you practice dentistry without residency?

Completing a dental residency is required to become eligible for a dental license. However, if you pursue a specialty, you may need to attend more school and fulfill more residency requirements.

What is the richest type of dentist?

The highest dental salary in the US is the salary of a dental anesthesiologist. oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What is the lowest paid dental specialty?

periodontists, and pediatric dentists), oral surgeons are consistently the highest earning dental specialists while periodontists are the lowest earning dental specialists.

Why is there a shortage of dentists?

A combination of the pandemic and Brexit has led to a shortage of dentists in England impacting on the number of appointments available for NHS dental treatment. In short, the result is that there are simply not enough dentists.

Can a dentist take you off their list without telling you?

A dentist can remove you from their patient list by giving 3 months' notice in writing. The dentist should leave your teeth and gums in a healthy state unless you have refused any treatment recommended by them. If you are violent or threatening, they can remove you from their patient list right away.

What is the most common dental complaint?

Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. It is the most common dental problem that dentists see in patients. Practically everyone, at some point in their life, has experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film, called plaque, on the surface of teeth.

Can a dentist terminate a patient?

Patient dismissal

The dentist has the right to dismiss a patient in situations where it is impossible to resolve differences or if the dentist cannot abide the patient's behavior within the practice, as long as the dismissal is not for a legally impermissible discriminatory reason.