How to reinstate your dental license in Connecticut
Connecticut's Department of Public Health, Dental Commission handles license reinstatement. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether it lapsed or was voluntarily surrendered. If your license lapsed within the last three years, you can usually reinstate it by paying a reinstatement fee and submitting a form to the Dental Commission. If it has been inactive longer than three years, you will need to complete continuing education hours and may need to pass a practical or written examination, depending on how long you have been away from practice.
The first step is to contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission directly to confirm your license status and which reinstatement path applies to you. You can reach them at 860-509-7603 or visit their office at 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134. Having your license number ready will speed up the call.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses inactive for fewer than three years usually require only a reinstatement fee and a completed form sent to the Dental Commission.
- Licenses inactive for more than three years typically require continuing education hours and may require an examination before reinstatement is approved.
- You must contact the Dental Commission directly to learn which requirements explore to your specific situation, since timelines and rules vary.
- The reinstatement fee and any examination costs are paid directly to the Dental Commission, not to a third party.
- Processing time for reinstatement requests usually ranges from four to eight weeks after the Dental Commission receives your complete submission.
Reinstatement within three years of license lapse
If your license lapsed fewer than three years ago, the reinstatement process is straightforward. You will need to complete the process for Reinstatement of License form, which the Dental Commission can mail or email to you. The form asks for your name, license number, the date your license lapsed, and confirmation that you have not practiced dentistry without a license during the inactive period.
Along with the form, you will submit the reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies and should be confirmed when you contact the Dental Commission, as it may change annually. Mail the completed form and fee to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dental Commission at the Hartford address listed above. Include a check or money order made payable to the State of Connecticut. Do not send cash.
Once the Dental Commission receives your submission, they will review it for completeness. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive written confirmation. If documents are missing or incomplete, the Dental Commission will contact you to request what is needed before processing can continue.
Reinstatement after three or more years of inactivity
If your license has been inactive for three years or longer, reinstatement requires additional steps. You will need to complete continuing education hours in dentistry. Connecticut typically requires 30 hours of continuing education for reinstatement after extended inactivity, though this number should be confirmed with the Dental Commission when you call, as requirements can change.
The continuing education must be completed through providers approved by the Connecticut Dental Commission or by the American Dental Association. Courses can be taken online, in person, or through a combination of both. When you enroll in courses, confirm with the provider that they are approved for Connecticut dental license reinstatement, since not all dental education providers meet state requirements.
After you complete the required hours, you will receive a certificate of completion from the education provider. You then submit this certificate along with the reinstatement form and fee to the Dental Commission. Some dentists in this category may also be required to pass a practical examination or written examination to demonstrate current competency. The Dental Commission will tell you whether an examination is required for your situation when you contact them.
What documents you will need to submit
Gather these items before you contact the Dental Commission or begin the reinstatement process. Having them ready will prevent delays.
- Your Connecticut dental license number (or your name and date of birth if you do not have the number)
- The completed process for Reinstatement of License form
- The reinstatement fee, as a check or money order
- Proof of continuing education (if your license was inactive three years or longer)
- Any examination results (if an examination was required)
If you cannot locate your license number, the Dental Commission can look it up using your name and date of birth. If you have moved or changed your name since your license lapsed, bring documentation of the change so the Dental Commission can match your current information to your old license record.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After the Dental Commission receives your complete submission, processing typically takes four to eight weeks. During this time, staff will review your form, verify your fee payment, and confirm that any continuing education or examination requirements have been met. You will not receive updates during this period unless the Dental Commission needs additional information from you.
If documents are missing or if there is a problem with your submission, the Dental Commission will contact you by phone or mail. Respond to their request as quickly as possible, since the clock does not restart — they are still working within the four to eight week window. Once everything is verified, you will receive a letter confirming that your license has been reinstated. This letter serves as proof of reinstatement until you receive your new license certificate in the mail.
After reinstatement, you are responsible for keeping your license current by paying renewal fees on time and completing any continuing education requirements for the current renewal cycle. Connecticut dental licenses must be renewed every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice dentistry while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice dentistry without an active license. Wait until you receive written confirmation from the Dental Commission that your license has been reinstated before you see patients or perform any dental procedures.
What if I cannot remember why my license lapsed?
The Dental Commission has a record of your license status and can tell you whether it lapsed due to non-renewal, voluntary surrender, or disciplinary action. Call them with your license number and they will explain what happened. This information determines which reinstatement path you follow.
Do I need to take a new licensing exam to reinstate?
Not usually. If your license was inactive fewer than three years, no exam is required. If it was inactive three years or longer, the Dental Commission will tell you whether an exam is required based on your specific situation. Some dentists in this category are required to pass an examination; others are not.
Can I reinstate my license if it was suspended or revoked due to discipline?
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation is more complex and depends on the reason for the action and the terms set by the Dental Commission at the time. Contact the Dental Commission directly to discuss your situation. You may need to meet additional requirements beyond those listed here.
What if I move out of Connecticut after I reinstate my license?
Your Connecticut license remains valid only in Connecticut. If you move to another state and want to practice there, you will need to follow that state's licensing process. Some states have reciprocity agreements with Connecticut, which may speed up the process, but you must contact that state's dental board to learn what they require.