State law also requires that dentists hold a permit to administer general anesthesia, deep sedation, or light parenteral conscious sedation. All states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. Requirements vary by state. Some states require dentists who specialize to have a specialty license. These dentists may need an additional two to four years of education after graduating from dental school.
Most states require dentists to meet continuing education requirements.
For more information about licensing, contact your state Department of Dentistry.