Licensure, Renewal, and Continuing Education Requirements
Licensure pathways
Indiana issues separate licenses for dentists and dental hygienists through IPLA. Applicants must meet education, examination, and character requirements set by statute and board rule. Dentists generally must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass accepted national and clinical examinations; hygienists must complete an accredited hygiene program and pass the required examinations. The board may recognize licensure by credentials or endorsement in limited circumstances, but an out-of-state license does not automatically convert into an Indiana license.
Renewal and CE
Dental licenses renew biennially. Renewal requires a completed application, the required fee, and evidence of continuing education. The board's CE rule specifies the number of hours and acceptable categories; the current renewal materials state the exact requirement. CE must be board-approved and documented because the board audits compliance. Practicing after expiration is unlicensed practice, even if the renewal application is pending.
Worked example
A hygienist licensed in another state moves to Indiana and asks whether she can work while her application is reviewed. The answer is no. She must hold an Indiana license before practicing. Her path is to apply through IPLA, show graduation from an accredited program, submit accepted examination scores, and meet any additional board requirements. If the board does not accept her prior examination or credentials, she may need to satisfy Indiana's examination requirement. A pending application is not a license.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming CE hours from another state automatically satisfy Indiana's categories.
- Letting a license lapse and continuing to treat patients.
- Confusing 'application submitted' with 'license issued.'
- Failing to keep CE certificates for audit.