Iowa Board of Dentistry
Find Iowa dental board contact information, licensing requirements, continuing education, and how to file complaints against dentists.
Iowa dental board & association
- Agency
- Iowa Dental Board
- Website
- https://dentalboard.iowa.gov
- Phone
- (515) 380-7393
- License Verification
- Verify a dentist's license →
- File a Complaint
- File a complaint →
- Association
- Iowa Dental Association
- Website
- https://www.iowadental.org
Iowa Dental Board
The Iowa Dental Board is Iowa's dental regulatory authority. It operates within the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), which hosts the Board's public page at dial.iowa.gov. The Board's dedicated website, dentalboard.iowa.gov, redirects to the DIAL board page.
Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate, serving three-year terms. The Board's stated mission is to ensure that all Iowans receive professional, competent, and safe dental health care of the highest quality.
The Board is supported by four standing committees: the Dental Hygiene Committee, the Anesthesia Credentials Committee, the Continuing Education Advisory Committee, and the Licensure Registration Committee, each with distinct advisory or review authority under Iowa law.
Current Board information, meeting agendas, Board orders, and Iowa dental rules (including updated Iowa Administrative Code chapters effective April 9, 2025) are available at dentalboard.iowa.gov and through the DIAL public portal.
License types in Iowa
The Iowa Dental Board issues licenses, registrations, permits, and qualifications for practitioners in the fields of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting. Each credential type has its own education, examination, and renewal requirements established by Board rules.
Iowa dental practice is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 153 and Iowa Administrative Code 481, Chapters 570–581. Key chapters include Chapter 572 (Dental Licensure, Registration, Renewal, Reactivation and Reinstatement), Chapter 576 (Dental Hygienists), and Chapter 577 (Expanded Functions).
Verify current license categories, eligibility requirements, and active licensee status at the Iowa Dental Board Public Portal or through dentalboard.iowa.gov.
Applying for an Iowa dental license
Iowa dental license applications are submitted through the Iowa Dental Board Public Portal at amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us/idb/portal/. The portal allows applicants to apply for credentials, track application status, find licensees, and access continuing education and renewal tools.
Applications are reviewed by the Board's Licensure Registration Committee, which makes recommendations to the full Board on completed applications. Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 572 (Dental Licensure, Registration, Renewal, Reactivation and Reinstatement) governs the licensing process.
Confirm current application requirements and eligibility criteria at dentalboard.iowa.gov before submitting any application.
Fees and license renewal
Iowa dental licenses require periodic renewal on schedules established by the Iowa Dental Board. Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 572 governs renewal, reactivation, and reinstatement processes. Fee schedules are governed by Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 571 (Dental Board Fees).
Renewals can be completed through the Iowa Dental Board Public Portal at amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us/idb/portal/, which also provides a Wallet Renewal Card option. Licensees should ensure their contact information is current with the Board so renewal notices are received.
Current fee amounts, renewal deadlines, and the fee schedule under Iowa Admin Code Chapter 571 are at dentalboard.iowa.gov.
Continuing education requirements
Iowa requires licensed dental professionals to complete continuing education (CE) as a condition of license renewal. Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 573 (Dental Continuing Education) governs CE requirements for all Iowa dental credential holders.
The Board's Continuing Education Advisory Committee reviews applications for individual course approval and CE sponsor status. Licensees can track and manage CE through the Iowa Dental Board Public Portal.
Current CE hour requirements, approved subject areas, and accepted course formats for your credential type are governed by Iowa Admin Code Chapter 573 and published at dentalboard.iowa.gov.
Scope of practice
Iowa dental practice law defines the scope of activities authorized for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratory technicians regulated by the Iowa Dental Board. These definitions establish what procedures each credential holder may legally perform and under what supervision conditions.
Relevant Iowa Administrative Code chapters include:
- Chapter 574 — General Requirements and Standards of Practice
- Chapter 575 — Dental Assistants, Dental Radiography Qualifications, and Dental Laboratory Technicians
- Chapter 576 — Dental Hygienists
- Chapter 577 — Expanded Functions
The Dental Hygiene Committee, established under Iowa Code section 153.33A, has authority to make recommendations regarding the practice, discipline, education, examination, and licensure of dental hygienists.
Current scope of practice rules and supervision requirements are published at dentalboard.iowa.gov under Iowa Administrative Code 481.
Filing a complaint
The Iowa Dental Board investigates complaints concerning violations of the dental practice act and Board rules by licensed dental professionals. Following an investigation, the Board may conduct disciplinary hearings and actively monitors the compliance of licensees with any orders issued as a result of disciplinary action.
Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 580 (Dental Board Complaints and Investigations) and Chapter 581 (Dental Board Discipline) govern the complaint and disciplinary process.
How to file a complaint
- Visit the Iowa Dental Board Public Portal and use the "File a Complaint" option.
- Alternatively, contact the Board directly through dentalboard.iowa.gov.
Public Board actions taken from January 1, 2023 to present are available at dial.iowa.gov/i-need/board-actions.
Iowa Dental Association
The Iowa Dental Association (IDA) is the professional membership organization for Iowa dentists. As a tripartite organization, IDA members are also members of the American Dental Association and their local district dental society.
Member benefits and programs
- Advocacy — the IDA is described as the most influential oral health group in Iowa, advocating at the statehouse and with other organizations on behalf of member dentists.
- Continuing education — the IDEAS Annual Session and local district meetings are member-trusted CE sources. The ADA CE offerings are also available to members.
- IADAPT wellness program — all Iowa dentists can receive three free, completely confidential, one-hour coaching or therapy sessions with a licensed Flowstate Health provider through the IADAPT program.
- Practice resources — IDA members access the ADA Third Party Concierge for insurance navigation, career services through the ADA Career Center, and discounts through endorsed programs.
- Iowa Dental Foundation — supports scholarships and community initiatives, including the Iowa Mission of Mercy.
Learn more about IDA membership, IADAPT, and upcoming events at iowadental.org.
Disciplinary actions and license verification
Disciplinary records and formal Board actions for Iowa dental licensees are publicly accessible through two channels. The Iowa Dental Board monitors licensee compliance with all orders issued as a result of disciplinary action.
How to look up disciplinary records
- Use the Find a Licensee function at the Iowa Dental Board Public Portal to verify a licensee's current credential status.
- Review public Board actions at dial.iowa.gov/i-need/board-actions for a record of formal actions taken from January 1, 2023 to present.
- Subscribe to public information updates at the DIAL website to receive notifications of new Board actions.