Hawaii Board of Dentistry

Hawaii Board of Dentistry

The Hawaii Board of Dentistry is the dental regulatory authority in Hawaii. Operating within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division, the Board licenses Certified Public Dentists and Dental Hygienists, administers examinations, enforces professional standards, processes renewals, and conducts disciplinary actions ensuring ethical dental practice across the state.

The Board oversees several credential categories, including active and inactive licenses, community service designations, and temporary permits. License information is managed through the MyPVL online portal, and the Board publishes its meeting schedule, minutes, and licensing announcements at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/.

License types in Hawaii

The Hawaii Board of Dentistry issues the following dental credential categories to qualified applicants:

• Dentist (DT) — active license for licensed dentists practicing in Hawaii.
• Dental Hygienist (DH) — active license for dental hygienists practicing in Hawaii.
• Community Service Dentist (CSDT) — credential for dentists providing community-focused dental services.
• Community Service Dental Hygienist (CSDH) — credential for dental hygienists providing community-focused services. Renews annually within one month before the license expiration date.
• Temporary — temporary dental or dental hygienist permits for limited practice periods.

Each license type carries specific renewal schedules, continuing education requirements, and fee structures. Dentists with the special privilege permit to administer anesthesia are in a separate fee category. Inactive status licenses must be renewed by the renewal deadline to remain on inactive status and may not be used for practice.

Applying for a Hawaii dental license

Hawaii dental license applications are processed through the Board of Dentistry within the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Applications, required documentation, fee schedules, and examination information are published on the Board's website.

Application resources

• Application forms and requirements — available at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/application_publications/.
• Application deadlines and examination dates — published at the Board's examination information page.
• Licensing laws and rules (HRS/HAR) — available at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/statute_rules/.
• MyPVL licensee dashboard — manage your existing license, check application status, and handle address or name changes at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov.

Fees and license renewal

Most Hawaii dental licenses renew on December 31 of every odd-numbered year. The Board accepts on-time renewals from November 3 through December 31 of each renewal year. Licenses not renewed by the expiration date are considered forfeited and may not be used for practice.

On-time renewal fees (active status)

• Dental Hygienist (DH) — active status: $164.00
• Dental Hygienist (DH) — inactive status: $12.00
• Dentist (DT) — active status: $308.00
• Dentist (DT) with Anesthesia Privilege — active status: $388.00
• Dentist (DT) — inactive status: $12.00
• Community Service Dentist (CSDT): $200.00
• Community Service Dental Hygienist (CSDH): $105.00

CSDH renewal (annual)

Community Service Dental Hygienist licenses renew annually within one month prior to the license expiration date. Licenses not renewed by the expiration date are unlicensed and the holder must reapply as a new applicant meeting current requirements.

Restoration (late renewal)

Forfeited DT and DH licenses may be restored within 2 years of the expiration date, subject to restoration requirements and applicable fees. Failure to restore within 2 years results in termination of the license, requiring the holder to apply as a new applicant.

Continuing education requirements

The Hawaii Board of Dentistry requires licensed dental professionals to complete continuing education (CE) as a condition of license renewal. CE ensures that dentists and dental hygienists maintain current clinical knowledge throughout their careers.

Online and virtual CE

100% online and virtual CE courses are accepted toward Hawaii renewal requirements — except for the hands-skill portion of Basic Life Support (BLS), which must be completed in-person. Licensees should confirm that their chosen online courses meet Board approval standards before submitting.

CE waiver or extension requests

If requesting a CE waiver or extension under HAR §16-79-147, the request must be submitted in writing with a hard copy renewal form and will remain pending approval by the Board. Submitting a renewal without meeting CE requirements and without an approved waiver constitutes a false attestation and may result in disciplinary action.

Scope of practice

Hawaii dental practice law defines the authorized scope of activities for each license type issued by the Board of Dentistry. These boundaries govern what procedures each credential holder may perform and under what conditions — protecting patients by ensuring that clinical activities are carried out only by appropriately licensed practitioners.

Dentists hold authority to perform the full range of dental services authorized under their training and Board rules. Dental hygienists perform preventive, diagnostic, and periodontal services within a scope set by Board regulations and Hawaii statutes. Community service designations carry separate scope parameters tied to their public-health focus. The Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) contain the authoritative scope definitions.

Filing a complaint

The Hawaii Board of Dentistry, operating within the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, investigates complaints alleging violations of dental practice law and Board rules by Hawaii dental licensees. Complaints may concern substandard care, unprofessional conduct, unlicensed practice, or other violations by licensed dental professionals.

The Board reviews submitted complaints, may request supporting documentation, and takes appropriate action — ranging from informal resolution to formal disciplinary proceedings. Substantiated violations can result in sanctions including license suspension, revocation, probation, or civil penalties under Hawaii law.

Hawaii Dental Association

The Hawaii Dental Association (HDA) is the statewide professional membership organization representing Hawaii-licensed dentists. Established in 1903, the HDA is the American Dental Association (ADA) constituent organization for Hawaii, and its members are committed to protecting the oral health and well-being of people of all ages across the islands.

Member benefits and programs

• Tripartite membership — HDA membership connects dentists to local component societies, the state association, and the American Dental Association, providing benefits and resources at all three levels.
• Continuing education — the Association provides CE courses and resources to help members meet Hawaii renewal requirements and stay current with clinical developments.
• Legislative advocacy — the HDA represents member and public-health interests in Hawaii's legislative and regulatory processes, working to ensure that oral health policy reflects sound clinical standards.
• Professional community — membership connects Hawaii dentists with colleagues statewide and nationally through ADA programs, publications, and events.

Disciplinary actions and license verification

Disciplinary records for Hawaii dental licensees are reflected in the MyPVL public license search portal. When the Board of Dentistry takes formal action against a dentist or dental hygienist, that action is associated with the licensee's credential record and accessible through the public search tool.

How to look up a Hawaii dental license

• Visit the MyPVL Public License Search.
• Search by license number or license type — types include DENTIST, DENTAL HYGIENIST, COMMUNITY SERVICE DENTIST, COMMUNITY SERVICE DENTAL HYGIENIST, and TEMP variants.
• Results show name, license number, license type, and location. The database is normally updated daily, Monday through Friday.

Other state dental boards