District of Columbia Dental License Renewal
Updated August 2026
Fees, deadlines, and what's required to renew a dental license in District of Columbia.
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.
Helpful Resources
District of Columbia Board of Dentistry
Board contact information, licensing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Learn more →District of Columbia Dental Society
Membership, contact details, and how the state dental association supports licensed dentists.
Learn more →License Requirements
See the exams, education, and application steps required to become a licensed dentist or dental hygienist in every state.
Learn more →CE Requirements
See how many continuing education hours are required to renew your license in each state, and which courses qualify.
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 →How to File a Complaint
Step-by-step guidance on filing a complaint against a dentist or hygienist with your state dental board.
Learn more →Disciplinary Actions
How state dental boards investigate and discipline dentists, and how to check a practitioner's public record.
Learn more →Dental Specialties
The 12 recognized dental specialties explained, from orthodontics to oral surgery, and how specialty licensing works.
Learn more →This page is your District of Columbia renewal starting point
Fees and deadlines above cover what it takes to renew, but continuing education specifics and complaint procedures live on the board's main page. Before you renew, verify your license status is current and in good standing using the tool above.