LicenseCompass

Dentist License in Hawaii

Quick Answer

To become a licensed dentist in Hawaii, earn a CODA-accredited dental degree, pass the INBDE and a regional clinical exam. Must be at least 18 and authorized to work in the US. CE required for renewal. No criminal record prohibitions.

Exam
INBDE + WREB or other regional clinical exam
Timeline
4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Dentist license in Hawaii

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Dental Examiners

Dentist Salary in Hawaii

Entry Level

$55,580

Median

$139,990

Experienced

$204,760

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Dentist in Hawaii.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — INBDE + WREB or other regional clinical exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing).

Dentist Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know

Hawaii requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, be a US citizen or authorized to work in the US, and graduate from a CODA-accredited dental college. The National Board Dental Examination and a clinical exam (such as WREB) are required. CE is required for renewal. No criminal record prohibitions for licensure. Hawaii's Board of Dental Examiners operates under the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. Hawaii's island geography creates unique dental access challenges, particularly on neighbor islands. The state has no dental school, requiring all dentists to be educated on the mainland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Dentist license in Hawaii?
The process typically takes 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Dentist license in Hawaii?
You need to pass the INBDE + WREB or other regional clinical exam. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Dentist requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.