Dentist, General License in Louisiana
Quick Answer
To become a licensed dentist in Louisiana, graduate from an approved dental school, pass the INBDE and a regional clinical exam. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident. Any criminal conviction prohibits licensure — among the strictest in the nation.
- Exam
- INBDE + regional clinical exam (JCNDE written + clinical)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
Dentist, General license in Louisiana
Dentist, General Salary in Louisiana
Entry Level
$80,900
Median
$179,600
Experienced
$239,200
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, General in Louisiana.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Any conviction is prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — INBDE + regional clinical exam (JCNDE written + clinical)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing).
Dentist, General Licensing in Louisiana: What to Know
Louisiana requires graduation from an accredited dental school approved by the Louisiana Board of Dentistry, passage of written and clinical tests from regional dental testing agencies, and passage of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examination. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Any conviction is prohibited — one of the strictest criminal background requirements among states. CE is required for renewal. Louisiana has the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry in New Orleans. The state's strict citizenship/residency and criminal record requirements limit accessibility compared to other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Dentist, General license in Louisiana?
- 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, General license in Louisiana?
- You need to pass the INBDE + regional clinical exam (JCNDE written + clinical). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Dentist, General requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.