Connecticut requires dentists with lapsed licenses to complete continuing education and pay reinstatement fees, but the exact path depends on how long the license has been inactive
If your Connecticut dental license has expired or been placed on inactive status, you cannot legally practice dentistry until you reinstate it. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Oral Health Section handles reinstatement. The process is not automatic — you must submit paperwork, meet education requirements that vary by how long you have been out of practice, and pay a reinstatement fee. The timeline typically runs four to eight weeks from submission to approval, though it can be longer if the department requests additional documentation.
Connecticut distinguishes between a lapsed license (expired but in good standing) and an inactive license (voluntarily placed on hold). Each has different reinstatement rules. A lapsed license requires fewer continuing education hours if you renew within a set window. An inactive license requires you to formally request reactivation and may carry additional requirements depending on how long you held that status.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut dentists must contact the Oral Health Section of the Department of Public Health to begin reinstatement, not a private licensing service.
- Continuing education requirements range from zero to 60 hours depending on whether your license lapsed or was inactive and how long it has been since you last held an active license.
- You must submit proof of malpractice insurance, a completed reinstatement process, and verification of any continuing education before the department will process your request.
- Reinstatement fees are separate from renewal fees and vary; contact the department directly for the current amount.
- If your license was suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons, reinstatement requires a formal petition and may involve additional conditions or a hearing.
The difference between a lapsed license and an inactive license
A lapsed license occurs when you do not renew by the expiration date but have not formally requested inactive status. Connecticut dental licenses expire on a set schedule (typically every two years, though you should verify the current cycle with the department). If you miss the renewal important date, your license lapses automatically. You can still reinstate a lapsed license, but you must act within a reasonable timeframe — Connecticut generally allows reinstatement within three years of expiration without additional scrutiny, though this window can vary.
An inactive license is one you voluntarily placed on hold by requesting inactive status from the department before your license expired. This is common for dentists taking a career break, relocating, or pursuing other work. An inactive license does not allow you to practice, but it signals to the state that you intended to step back rather than straightforward forgetting to renew. Reactivating an inactive license typically requires fewer continuing education hours than reinstating a lapsed license, because the state recognizes you maintained awareness of your license status.
If your license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action, reinstatement is a different process entirely and requires a formal petition to the department or a hearing before the Connecticut Dental Commission. Contact the Oral Health Section to determine whether your license falls into this category.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
Connecticut requires continuing education hours as a condition of reinstatement, but the number depends on how long your license has been inactive or lapsed. If your license lapsed within the last two years and you are renewing during the standard renewal window, you may owe zero additional hours — you straightforward pay the renewal fee and submit the reinstatement process. However, if your license has been inactive or lapsed for more than two years, you typically must complete between 30 and 60 continuing education hours before reinstatement is approved.
The courses must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Dental Education (ACDE) or an equivalent body recognized by Connecticut. You cannot use online courses from unaccredited providers or in-house training. Common sources include dental schools, professional associations like the American Dental Association, and continuing education companies that specialize in state-approved courses. You must submit proof of completion — typically a certificate of attendance or transcript — with your reinstatement process.
Some dentists complete their continuing education before submitting the reinstatement process; others submit the process and complete the hours afterward, provided they submit proof before the department issues final approval. Ask the Oral Health Section which approach they prefer, as it can affect your timeline.
Documents and fees required for reinstatement
The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires a completed reinstatement process form, which you can request from the Oral Health Section by phone or through their website. You must also submit proof of current malpractice insurance — Connecticut requires dentists to carry coverage, and the department will not process reinstatement without verification. Contact your malpractice carrier to request a certificate of insurance naming the state as an interested party, or ask them to send it directly to the department.
You must also provide proof of continuing education completion (if required), a copy of your original dental degree or diploma, and any other documentation the department requests. If you have practiced in another state since your Connecticut license lapsed, you may need to provide verification of that license status. If you have changed your name, you will need to provide legal documentation of the name change.
Reinstatement fees are separate from renewal fees. The exact amount varies and changes periodically; contact the Oral Health Section directly for the current fee. You typically pay this fee when you submit your process, though some departments allow you to pay upon approval. Ask which method applies to your situation.
How to contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health Oral Health Section
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Oral Health Section is the only body that can process your reinstatement. Do not contact private licensing services or third-party renewal companies — they cannot reinstate your license, though some may offer to help you navigate the paperwork for a fee. You can reach the Oral Health Section by phone during business hours to ask questions about your specific situation, request an process form, and confirm current fees and continuing education requirements.
When you call, have your name, date of birth, and original license number ready. The department can tell you whether your license is lapsed or inactive, how many continuing education hours you owe, and what documents you need to submit. If your case is complex — for example, if your license was suspended or if you have practiced in multiple states — the department may refer you to a supervisor or ask you to submit your question in writing.
You can also request information in writing by mail. Include your full name, license number, and a clear description of your situation. The department typically responds within two weeks, though during busy periods it may take longer.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your process
After you submit a complete reinstatement process with all required documents and proof of continuing education, the department typically processes it within four to eight weeks. During this time, the department verifies your malpractice insurance, checks your continuing education credits, and reviews your process for completeness. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you by phone or mail and ask you to provide additional information or resubmit a document.
Once the department approves your reinstatement, you will receive written confirmation and a new license certificate or wallet card (depending on Connecticut's current format). You can then legally practice dentistry. Some dentists receive approval before their new physical license arrives; ask the department whether you can begin practicing upon written approval or whether you must wait for the physical certificate.
If the department denies your process, they will provide a written explanation. Common reasons include incomplete continuing education, failure to provide proof of malpractice insurance, or disciplinary issues on your record. If you receive a denial, you have the right to request a hearing or to resubmit your process once you have addressed the stated deficiency.
Reinstatement after disciplinary suspension or revocation
If your Connecticut dental license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action — such as a complaint about patient care, fraud, substance abuse, or criminal conduct — reinstatement is not a routine administrative process. Instead, you must file a formal petition with the Connecticut Dental Commission or the Department of Public Health, depending on the nature of the discipline. The petition must explain why you believe you should be reinstated, what steps you have taken to address the underlying issue, and why you are now fit to practice.
The department or commission will review your petition and may schedule a hearing. You have the right to present evidence and testimony in your favor. If the original discipline was recent or serious, reinstatement may be denied or granted only with conditions — such as mandatory supervision, additional continuing education, or periodic reporting to the state. If you are uncertain whether your license was suspended for disciplinary reasons, contact the Oral Health Section and ask them to review your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a Connecticut dental license?
The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the date you submit a complete process. If the department requests additional documents or clarification, the timeline extends. Disciplinary cases take longer and may require a hearing, which can add several months.
Can I practice dentistry while my reinstatement process is pending?
No. You cannot legally practice until your license is reinstated and you have received written approval from the department. Practicing on a lapsed or inactive license is a violation of Connecticut law and can result in fines or criminal charges.
What if I completed continuing education in another state — does Connecticut accept it?
Connecticut accepts continuing education from accredited providers in other states, provided the courses meet Connecticut's standards. The courses must be from ACDE-accredited sources or equivalent. Contact the Oral Health Section with details of your courses to confirm they will be accepted before you submit your process.
Do I need to retake the dental licensing exam to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the licensing exam. You must complete continuing education and submit required documents, but the exam is not part of the reinstatement process unless your license was revoked for disciplinary reasons, in which case the department may impose additional conditions.
What happens if I let my malpractice insurance lapse before I reinstate my license?
You must obtain new malpractice insurance before the department will approve your reinstatement. Connecticut requires all practicing dentists to carry coverage. Contact an insurance broker who works with dental professionals to obtain a new policy quickly; most can issue coverage within days.