Delaware Board of Dentistry

About the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene

The Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene operates within the state's Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). The board's primary objective is to protect the general public from unsafe and unprofessional dental practices. To meet this goal, the board develops standards for professional competence, promulgates rules and regulations, and adjudicates complaints against licensed professionals — imposing disciplinary sanctions when warranted.

The board's statutory authority is established in 24 Del. C., Chapter 11. The board meets in January, March, May, June, August, October, and December; meetings are held on a Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover, and are open to the public.

License types issued by the board

The Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene issues licenses to the following practitioner categories:

• Dentists — the standard license for general dentists in Delaware
• Dentist academics — for dentists in qualifying academic practice arrangements
• Dental hygienists — including hygienists now eligible to administer local anesthesia under regulations effective March 1, 2026
• Dental residents — for practitioners in residency programs
• Anesthesia permits — three permit types are available to dentists and dentist academics who administer anesthesia; requirements and authorization levels differ by permit type

License applications are submitted and managed through Delaware's DELPROS online portal. The board reviews complete applications at its next scheduled meeting. A complete application includes all documentation submitted through DELPROS and any third-party documents submitted by mail or email.

Applying for a Delaware dental license

License applications in Delaware are processed through the DELPROS online portal. The board reviews applications at its next scheduled board meeting; the board meets in January, March, May, June, August, October, and December.

For examination information including current test dates, visit the board's Examinations page through the Division of Professional Regulation at dpr.delaware.gov/boards/dental/. General questions can be directed to DPR at customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov.

Fees and license renewal

The Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene's fee schedule is maintained by the Division of Professional Regulation. Current fee amounts for initial applications, renewals, and examination fees are published through the DPR board page and the DELPROS portal.

Renewals are processed through the DELPROS portal. The board meets regularly throughout the year; applications and renewals that require board approval are reviewed at scheduled meetings after all required documentation has been received.

Continuing education requirements

Delaware dental licensees are subject to continuing education requirements as a condition of license renewal. Specific hour requirements and approved course categories are defined in the board's regulations under the Division of Professional Regulation.

Recent regulatory changes may affect CE requirements. For instance, the March 2026 regulations under SB 131 added requirements for hygienists qualifying to administer local anesthesia. Always consult the current board regulations for the most up-to-date requirements before submitting a renewal.

Scope of practice

Delaware dental practice is governed by the Delaware Code at Title 24, Chapter 11, with the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene holding authority to promulgate rules and enforce professional standards. The board's jurisdiction covers licensed dentists, dentist academics, dental hygienists, and dental residents.

The board's regulations define the scope of practice for each license category, including what procedures require which level of supervision and what qualifications permit expanded functions. As of March 1, 2026, regulations adopted under Senate Bill 131 authorize dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia under the requirements set by the board.

The full text of current board regulations is available through Delaware's online regulatory system and linked from dpr.delaware.gov/boards/dental/.

Filing a complaint

The Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene adjudicates complaints against licensed dentists, dental hygienists, and other credential holders. When the evidence supports a finding of unprofessional practice, the board may impose disciplinary sanctions.

Complaints are handled through the Division of Professional Regulation. To initiate a complaint, contact DPR directly:

• By phone at (302) 744-4500
• By email at customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov
• By mail to: Cannon Building, Suite 203, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover, DE 19904

Delaware State Dental Society

The Delaware State Dental Society (DSDS) is the professional membership organization for dentists in Delaware, affiliated with the American Dental Association. The society supports members through advocacy, continuing education, networking, and community outreach programs.

For patients, the DSDS offers public resources including:

• A Find a Dentist directory
• Information on dental clinics and emergency dental resources
• Dental health resources for seniors
• A specialists directory

More information is available at delawarestatedentalsociety.org.

Disciplinary actions and license verification

Disciplinary actions taken by the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene are handled through the Division of Professional Regulation. The board has authority to impose sanctions including reprimands, probation, suspension, and revocation of licensure.

Information about disciplinary actions and license status for Delaware dental professionals is available through the DPR board page at dpr.delaware.gov/boards/dental/. For license verification and disciplinary history, contact DPR at (302) 744-4500 or customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov.

Other state dental boards