District of Columbia Dental License Renewal
Updated August 2026
Quick Answer
District of Columbia dentists must renew their licenses through DC Board of Dentistry on a biennial basis under state dental practice law, submitting a $254.00 renewal fee to maintain active licensure. Renewal requires completing 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years and staying in compliance with board requirements to remain in good standing.
Open Official District of Columbia Dental Board Portal ↗Continuing Education
30 hrs
every 2 years
License Renewal
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee (Dentist)
$254.00
All DC dental credentials use a birth-month renewal cycle. Effective June 16, 2024, DC Health transitioned every professional license, certificate, and registration to expire on the last day of the holder's birth month — if your birthday falls in an odd year, your renewals fall in odd years (and likewise for even years). Licenses valid at the time of transition expired December 31, 2025, with that cohort's renewal window opening in fall 2025.
Initial licensing and registration fees
| Credential | Application/licensure fee | Criminal Background Check fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist | $430.00 | $50.00 |
| Dental Hygienist | $245.00 | $50.00 |
| Dental Assistant (Level I–III) | $190.00 | $50.00 |
| Local Anesthesia / Nitrous Oxide Authority (hygienist add-on) | $25.00 | — |
Renewal fees (2024–2025 renewal cycle)
| Credential | Renewal fee | Late fee (Jan 1–Feb 28, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist | $254.00 | $85.00 |
| Dental Hygienist | $136.00 | $85.00 |
All renewing licensees also pay the $50 CBC name-search fee described above; a fingerprint or live-scan appointment is not required for renewals. A mailed paper license verification costs $34 and can take up to six weeks to process, while the online Health Professional Profile Search is free and immediate.
Compare Other Renewal Pages
These share District of Columbia's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing renewal costs and cycles across nearby states.
Helpful Guides
Dental Specialties
The 12 recognized dental specialties explained, from orthodontics to oral surgery, and how specialty licensing works.
Learn more →Dental Therapist Licensing
A newer mid-level provider role now licensed in a growing number of states — what they do and where they practice.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and requirements for dentists and dental hygienists in every state.
Learn more →How to Verify a License
Verify a dentist's or hygienist's license status using each state board's official lookup tool.
Learn more →Expanded Function Dental Assistant
What an EFDA is allowed to do, how certification works, and how allowed duties vary by state.
Learn more →