South Dakota Board of Dentistry

South Dakota State Board of Dentistry

The South Dakota State Board of Dentistry is South Dakota's dental regulatory authority, operating as one of twelve regulatory boards under the purview of the Department of Health. The Board licenses and registers dental professionals, enforces dental practice law, and reviews and investigates alleged violations of the laws governing its licensees and registrants.

The Board's statutes and rules, application materials, CE requirements, and public information are accessible at sdboardofdentistry.org.

License types in South Dakota

The South Dakota State Board of Dentistry licenses and registers the following practitioner categories:

• Dentist — licensed to perform the full scope of dental procedures under South Dakota law and Board rules.
• Dental Hygienist — licensed to perform preventive, diagnostic, and periodontal services within the scope defined by Board regulations.
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) — registered to perform dental assisting functions under dentist supervision as defined by Board rules.
• Dental Radiographer — credentialed to take dental radiographs as defined by Board regulations.

The Board also considers sedation and anesthesia permits for qualified dentists. Each credential type carries specific education, examination, and renewal requirements.

Applying for a South Dakota dental license

South Dakota dental license and registration applications are processed through the Board of Dentistry. Applications, required documentation, and fee information are published on the Board's website by practitioner category.

Application resources

• Dentist applications — requirements and forms in the Dentists section at sdboardofdentistry.org.
• Hygienist applications — requirements and forms in the Hygienists section.
• Registrant applications — RDA and radiographer application information in the Registrants section.
• Application status — check the status of a pending application at sdboardofdentistry.org/applicationstatus/.
• Statutes and rules — governing statutes and administrative rules at sdboardofdentistry.org/Public/statutes-rules.asp.

Fees and license renewal

South Dakota dental licenses and registrations require periodic renewal on a schedule set by the Board of Dentistry. License holders are responsible for renewing by the applicable deadline and maintaining current contact information with the Board.

Renewal requirements include payment of the applicable renewal fee and completion of the continuing education hours required by the Board for the renewal period. Continuing education may be added through the Board's online portal at sdboardofdentistry.org/continuingEducation/addCE.asp.

Continuing education requirements

The South Dakota State Board of Dentistry requires licensed dental professionals to complete continuing education (CE) as a condition of license renewal. CE requirements ensure that dentists, dental hygienists, and registered dental assistants remain current with evolving clinical standards and regulatory requirements throughout their careers.

The Board sets required CE hours, approved subject areas, and acceptable course formats for each credential type. CPR/ACLS requirements apply to certain licensees. Licensees may add their CE credits through the Board's online portal, and may submit a CE Request Approval Form for courses that need Board approval.

Scope of practice

South Dakota dental practice law defines the authorized scope of activities for each credential type issued by the Board of Dentistry. These definitions establish what procedures each credential holder may legally perform and under what supervision conditions — protecting patients by ensuring that clinical services are rendered only by appropriately licensed or registered 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 established by Board regulations and South Dakota statute. Registered dental assistants perform supporting clinical functions under dentist supervision as defined by Board rules. The Board publishes a Scope of Practice Decision Making Framework to assist practitioners in evaluating clinical activities.

Filing a complaint

The South Dakota State Board of Dentistry investigates alleged violations of any law governing its licensees and registrants. State law authorizes the Board to take action against the license or registration of a dentist, dental hygienist, registered dental assistant, or dental radiographer in certain circumstances. Specific grounds for action are outlined in SDCL 36-6A-59. The Board has no authority under state law to mediate a billing dispute between a dentist and a patient or to intervene in matters pertaining to business practices.

Step 1: Complaint

• Anyone who believes that a Board-licensed or -registered dental professional has violated any law governing their practice may file a complaint.
• Each complaint must include a detailed written explanation, including dates, times, places, and persons involved. A release of medical records may be requested from the complainant when necessary.
• The Board does not accept anonymous complaints unless an immediate threat to the health or welfare of patients exists.

Complaint form: sdboardofdentistry.org/download_resource.asp?id=800

Step 2: Investigation

• If the complaint involves an unlicensed person, the case may be referred to the Attorney General's office.
• If the facts alleged would amount to a violation of law and the person is licensed or registered with the Board, a formal investigation begins. The licensee is notified and provided an opportunity to respond.
• During investigation, the existence of the complaint is confidential.
• When the investigation is complete, a determination is made about whether there is sufficient evidence of a violation by clear and convincing evidence.

Step 3: Final Resolution

• Dismissal — the complaint is dismissed if it is without merit or lacks sufficient evidence. A dismissed complaint creates no public record.
• Agreed Disposition — if evidence supports a violation, the Board's prosecuting attorney may negotiate an agreed disposition with the licensee. If approved, it becomes a public record.
• Hearing — if an agreed disposition is not feasible, the case proceeds to a contested case hearing before a hearing examiner. The licensee has the right to legal counsel, to be present for all evidence, to inspect documentary evidence, and to examine and cross-examine witnesses. The final order becomes a public record.

South Dakota Dental Association

The South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA) is the professional membership organization for South Dakota dentists and allied dental staff. Founded in 1883, the SDDA has nearly 500 dentist members and more than 500 allied dental staff members statewide.

Mission and programs

The SDDA's mission is to promote the art and science of dentistry and the oral health of the public; educate the public on the benefits of quality preventive and restorative dentistry as provided by the entire dental health care team; and be of service to its members regarding practice health and their general welfare.

• Advocacy — the SDDA represents member and public-health interests in South Dakota legislative and regulatory processes, working to advance sound oral health policy.
• Continuing education — the Association provides CE opportunities to help members meet renewal requirements and stay current with clinical advances.
• Professional community — SDDA membership connects South Dakota dental professionals statewide and nationally through the ADA tripartite network.
• Practice resources — members access guidance on practice management, regulatory compliance, and supervision requirements through SDDA resources, including the annual Delegation/Supervision Guide.

Disciplinary actions and license verification

Disciplinary records for South Dakota dental professionals are publicly accessible through the Board's online verification system, which is designated as the primary source verification for the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. If there is disciplinary action on a license or registration, the record will be flagged in the verification search results.

How to look up a South Dakota dental license

• Visit the Verify Licensee page at sdboardofdentistry.org.
• Search by first name, last name (or partial names), or license/registration number.
• Results display license number, name, type, status, original issue date, valid through date, permits, and public information. Flagged records indicate disciplinary action.

Board actions

Published board actions are available at sdboardofdentistry.org/Public/complaints/board-actions.asp.

Other state dental boards