Vermont Board of Dentistry

About the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners

Vermont dental licensing is administered by the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), a division within the Secretary of State's office. The Vermont Board of Dental Examiners (BDE) sets professional standards and rules and hears disciplinary matters, while OPR handles day-to-day licensing operations including applications, renewals, and complaint intake.

Recent Rule Update

New Board of Dental Examiners Administrative Rules took effect on October 15, 2025. Vermont dentists and dental hygienists should review the updated rules, available through the Vermont State Dental Society (vsds.org).

Vermont Dental Licensing

The Vermont Board of Dental Examiners, administered through OPR, licenses dentists and dental hygienists practicing in Vermont. OPR's online licensing platform handles initial applications, renewals, and status changes.

• License applications and renewals are processed through the OPR Online Services portal
• Use the OPR Licensee Lookup to verify the current status of any Vermont-licensed dental professional
• New BDE Administrative Rules are in effect as of October 15, 2025 — review before applying or renewing

How to Apply for a Vermont Dental License

Vermont dental license applications are submitted through the OPR Online Services portal. OPR processes applications for initial licensure, renewal, and reinstatement.

• Applications are filed online through the OPR Online Services portal
• Review the October 15, 2025 BDE Administrative Rules before applying — requirements may have changed
• International applicants and those with criminal history should review OPR's guidance before applying

License Fees and Renewal

Vermont dental licenses are renewed through OPR. The renewal process typically requires:

• Completion of required continuing education hours for the renewal period
• Payment of the renewal fee (amount: verify with OPR)
• Renewal through the OPR Online Services portal

OPR will send renewal notices to the email address on file. Keep your contact information current in the OPR system to avoid missing renewal deadlines.

Continuing Education Requirements

Vermont dentists complete continuing education as a condition of license renewal. CE is administered through OPR and subject to the BDE's rules. The VSDS offers CE programming, including single-day CE courses and the annual Vermont Dental Conference, to help members meet renewal requirements.

Scope of Dental Practice in Vermont

Vermont dental scope of practice is governed by the Board of Dental Examiners through rules updated as of October 15, 2025. The BDE rules define the authorized activities of dentists and dental auxiliaries practicing in Vermont.

Vermont has partnered with the University of Detroit Mercy to establish a dental clinic and graduate training program in the state, targeting enrollment by 2027—an initiative to expand dental education access and address dentist shortages in Vermont.

Filing a Complaint Against a Vermont Dentist

Complaints against Vermont-licensed dental professionals are filed with the OPR. OPR does not have authority to seek money damages or restitution for complainants and cannot mediate disputes between parties. Its authority extends only to licensed professionals who are required to be licensed or registered with OPR.

Complaints can be filed using OPR's online platform. You may file as a guest, registered user, or licensee — no registration is required.

File a Complaint Online

After filing, learn what happens next by reviewing OPR's complaint lifecycle guidance document.

Conduct Decision Search

Conduct cases heard before the BDE or an administrative law officer—including contested hearings and stipulated agreements—are searchable through the OPR Conduct Decision Search.

Employer Mandatory Reporting

Employers are required by Vermont statute to report certain events involving licensed professionals. Mandatory Reporting forms and Drug Diversion Reporting forms are available on the OPR Complaints page.

Vermont State Dental Society

The Vermont State Dental Society (VSDS) is the state component of the American Dental Association (ADA), representing dental professionals across the Green Mountain State. The VSDS advocates for dentists, promotes oral health, and provides continuing education and member resources.

• Annual Vermont Dental Conference — September 17–18, 2026, DoubleTree Hotel Burlington; Vermont's largest gathering of dental and oral health professionals
• Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available for dental businesses
• In-house recruiter to connect dentists with Vermont practice opportunities
• ADA/VSDS advocacy at the State Capitol and in the legislature (annual Statehouse Day)
• ADA Member Advantage endorsed programs (Laurel Road student loan refinancing and home mortgages, and more)

Contact VSDS:
Phone: (802) 864-0115 | Fax: (802) 864-0116
Email: info@vsds.org
1 Kennedy Drive, Suite L3, South Burlington, VT 05403

Visit vsds.org for membership information, CE registration, and the latest news.

Disciplinary Actions and License Verification

Disciplinary records and license status for Vermont dental professionals are publicly available through two OPR tools:

• OPR Licensee Lookup — verify the current license status of any OPR-licensed professional, including dentists and dental hygienists
• OPR Conduct Decision Search — search for conduct decisions from hearings and stipulated agreements; decisions after 2000 are available online

For decisions concluded before the year 2000, contact the OPR Docket Clerk at sos.docketclerk@vermont.gov.

OPR also publishes Monthly Discipline Reports summarizing recent disciplinary actions across all regulated professions.

Other state dental boards