How to check if a dentist is licensed
A simple, source-anchored process for confirming a dentist's license before booking.
Every dentist practicing in the United States must hold an active license from the state in which they practice. State dental boards maintain the authoritative record of license status, expiration, and any public disciplinary actions. The federal NPI Registry confirms identity and specialty but not license status.
Step 1 — Identify the dentist's state of practice
Every DentistGrid profile shows the practice address, which determines the licensing state. If a dentist practices in multiple states, each license must be verified separately.
Step 2 — Open your state's dental board lookup
Use the table below or our full State dental board directory.
| State | Board | Verify |
|---|---|---|
| AK | Alaska Board of Dental Examiners | Open ↗ |
| AL | Alabama Board of Dental Examiners | Open ↗ |
| AR | Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners | Open ↗ |
| AZ | Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners | Open ↗ |
| CA | Dental Board of California | Open ↗ |
| CO | Colorado Dental Board | Open ↗ |
| CT | Connecticut Dental Commission | Open ↗ |
| DC | DC Board of Dentistry | Open ↗ |
| DE | Delaware Board of Dentistry & Dental Hygiene | Open ↗ |
| FL | Florida Board of Dentistry | Open ↗ |
Step 3 — Search by last name or license number
Each board's lookup is slightly different, but most accept either a last name or a license number. Confirm the dentist's full name matches and that the city/practice aligns with the listing you started from.
Step 4 — Confirm the license is active
Look for an explicit "Active" status and an expiration date in the future. Review any disciplinary actions, restrictions, or probation listed on the record.
Step 5 — Cross-check identity on the NPI Registry
Search the NPI Registry for the dentist's NPI (shown on every DentistGrid profile). Confirm the name, taxonomy/specialty, and practice address match. See our NPPES explained page for what each field means.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I check if a dentist is licensed?
Every U.S. dentist is licensed by the state in which they practice. Search the state dental board's official license lookup tool by last name or license number.
What does the NPI Registry tell me?
The federal NPI Registry confirms the dentist's identity, NPI number, taxonomy/specialty, and practice address, but it does not confirm license status. Use it together with the state board lookup.
What if the dentist's license shows restrictions or discipline?
Public disciplinary records vary by state. Read the action carefully and consider asking the dentist directly. The state board can answer questions about a specific action.
If something doesn't match
Report any discrepancy through Report an incorrect listing. See our provider verification policy for how we handle disputed identities.