South Carolina Dental License Renewal
Updated August 2026
Quick Answer
South Carolina dentists must renew their licenses through South Carolina Board of Dentistry on a biennial basis under state dental practice law, submitting a $280.00 renewal fee to maintain active licensure. Renewal requires completing 28 hours of continuing education every 2 years and staying in compliance with board requirements to remain in good standing.
Open Official South Carolina Dental Board Portal ↗Continuing Education
28 hrs
every 2 years
License Renewal
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee (Dentist)
$280.00
South Carolina dental licenses renew on a biennial (every 2 years) cycle. Under S.C. Code § 40-15-170, LLR mails a renewal notice to each licensee on or about October 15 of the renewal year. Licenses may be renewed online through the LLR eservice portal or by mailed paper application.
Initial application fees
| License type | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General Dentist — by clinical examination | $300.00 |
| General Dentist — by credentials | $2,000.00 ($500.00 with an approved rural-practice waiver) |
| Dental Specialist | $300.00 |
| Dental Hygienist | $150.00 |
| Dental Technician / Orthodontic Technician | $100.00 |
| Dental Instructor | $300.00 |
| Volunteer License | $0.00 |
Biennial renewal fees
| License type | Renewal fee |
|---|---|
| General Dentist | $280.00 |
| Dental Specialist | +$10.00 per specialty, added to the Dentist renewal fee |
| Dental Hygienist | $80.00 |
| Local Infiltration Anesthesia Certification | +$10.00, added to the Dental Hygienist renewal fee |
| Dental / Orthodontic Technician | $150.00 |
| Dental Instructor | $320.00 |
Mobile dental facilities and portable dental operations register annually: $150.00 for mobile facilities and $75.00 for portable units.
Late renewal
- Renewed by December 31 of the renewal year: no late fee
- Renewed January 1–31: late fee doubles
- Renewed February 1–March 1: late fee doubles, plus $5.00 per day
A license not renewed by March 1 of the renewal period expires starting March 2, and a lapsed license may not be used to practice in South Carolina until reinstated.
Reinstatement
| License type | Reinstatement fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee (all types) | $75.00, plus the reinstatement fee below |
| Dentist | $500.00 |
| Dental Hygienist | $300.00 |
| Technician | $300.00 |
Compare Other Renewal Pages
These share South Carolina'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 →