Idaho Board of Dentistry
Find Idaho dental board contact information, licensing requirements, continuing education, and how to file complaints against dentists.
Idaho dental board & association
- Agency
- Idaho Board of Dentistry
- Website
- https://dopl.idaho.gov/bod/
- Phone
- (208) 334-3233
- License Verification
- Verify a dentist's license →
- File a Complaint
- File a complaint →
- Association
- Idaho State Dental Association
- Website
- https://www.theisda.org
About the Idaho Board of Dentistry
Idaho's dental regulatory board operates within the state's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), an agency that administers licensing programs across a broad range of health and trade professions. The Idaho Board of Dentistry sets licensing standards, adopts rules governing dental practice, and handles disciplinary matters for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists practicing in the state.
The board is composed of eight members: five dentists (including a dentist-at-large and an oral surgeon), two dental hygienists, and one consumer member. Board members serve staggered terms.
General licensing inquiries can be directed to DOPL's health professions licensing team by email at HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov. The board's website at dopl.idaho.gov/bod/ provides links to statutes, rules, meeting agendas and minutes, resources, and the online licensing portal.
License types issued by the board
The Idaho Board of Dentistry licenses dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, and practitioners holding sedation permits. Applications for all license types are processed through DOPL's online licensing portal at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices/.
Idaho's active license categories include:
- Dentist / dental specialist — the standard license for dentists and dental specialists practicing in Idaho
- Dental hygienist — issued to dental hygienists meeting Idaho's licensure requirements
- Sedation permit — required for dentists administering sedation; carries its own application, licensing, and renewal fees even during the current Fee Holiday
Idaho offers expedited pathways for military service members and spouses. Details are available at dopl.idaho.gov/military-service-members-spouses/.
Practitioners holding a DEA registration number valid in any state are required to register with Idaho's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). More information is at dopl.idaho.gov/prescription-drug-monitoring-program/.
Applying for an Idaho dental license
New applicants and existing licensees complete transactions through DOPL's online portal at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices/. The portal supports applications, renewals, and requests for licensure history letters.
Reinstating a lapsed license. If a license has lapsed for less than two years, a reinstatement application can be submitted through the online portal along with the applicable fees. If the license has been lapsed for more than two years, contact the board directly before applying, as additional requirements may apply.
Verification for other states. Two options are available through the portal:
- A free Letter of Good Standing containing public license information
- A Certified Licensure History Letter for states requiring exam scores or other non-public information — this carries a $10 fee and is processed through the portal
Fees and license renewal
As of January 1, 2026, DOPL implemented a Fee Holiday for the Idaho Board of Dentistry. Under this program, renewal fees are currently $0 for dentists and dental hygienists. Initial application and licensing fees still apply for new applicants. Confirm current fee amounts before submitting payment at dopl.idaho.gov/bod/.
| License type | Application fee | License fee | Renewal fee | Late fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentist / dental specialist | $300 | $280 | $0 (Fee Holiday) | $50 |
| Dental hygienist | $150 | $130 | $0 (Fee Holiday) | $50 |
| Sedation permit | $225 | $225 | $225 | — |
License fees for new applicants are prorated from the date of licensure to the next scheduled renewal date. Application fees are non-refundable. Renewals and new applications are processed through the DOPL online portal.
Continuing education requirements
Idaho dental hygienists are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal period. This reflects an increase from the prior standard; the board's FAQ notes a gain of six hours every two years under the updated requirements.
For dentists, the board previously required one continuing education credit related to opioid prescribing during each biennial renewal. That requirement is no longer in effect under the board's current rules. The board still recommends opioid prescribing education for practitioners who prescribe opioids and has made an educational video resource available through DOPL's website.
Scope of practice
Dental practice in Idaho is governed by state statute and the rules adopted by the Idaho Board of Dentistry. The board's jurisdiction covers licensed dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, and practitioners operating under sedation permits. The full text of statutes and rules governing dental practice in Idaho is maintained at dopl.idaho.gov/bod/bod-statutes-rules-and-guidance/.
Practice scope questions — including supervision requirements for dental hygienists, sedation authorization levels, and expanded functions — should be resolved by consulting the current rules or contacting the board directly. Rules governing the scope of dental hygiene practice are distinct from those for dentists.
Filing a complaint
Complaints against Idaho dental licensees are filed through DOPL's online services portal. The portal accepts complaints electronically. The board and DOPL staff investigate complaints involving potential violations of Idaho dental licensing law or board rules.
To file a complaint, visit edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices/ and select the complaint filing option. General questions about the complaint process can be directed to DOPL at HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov.
Idaho State Dental Association
The Idaho State Dental Association (ISDA) is the professional membership organization for Idaho dentists, affiliated with the American Dental Association. The ISDA represents hundreds of Idaho dentists working toward shared goals: defending the provider-patient relationship, strengthening the profession, and supporting oral health statewide.
The association publishes a weekly e-newsletter — the Tuesday Tx — covering continuing education opportunities, legislative updates, practice resources, and upcoming events. Information about membership and current ISDA programs is available at theisda.org.
Disciplinary actions and license verification
License status and disciplinary history for Idaho dental licensees are searchable through DOPL's public license search portal at edopl.idaho.gov/OnlineServices/?link=PubSearch. The tool allows lookups by practitioner name, license type, or license number and returns current license status including any active disciplinary conditions.
The board's disciplinary authority covers dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, and permit holders operating under Idaho law. Disciplinary orders and final actions resulting from completed proceedings are reflected in the public license record.