ADA.org: Illinois Licensure Requirements

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 1 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

Initial

Licensure

Examination

Requirements

Illinois Administrative Code, Title 68 Section 1220.120 Dental Examinations

a) The Division shall accept the following examinations for licensure if administered

and passed in their entirety (which includes passage of the restorative, periodontal,

prosthodontic and endodontic portions of the examination):

1) NERB Examination, with a passing score established by the testing entity;

2) CRDTS Examination, with a passing score established by the testing entity;

3) SRTA Examination, with a passing score established by the testing entity;

4) CDCA-WREB Examination, with a passing score established by the testing

entity; or

5) CITA Examination, with a passing score established by the testing agency.

b) Retake requirements shall be that of the testing entity.

c) The applicant shall have the examination scores submitted to the Division

directly from the reporting entity.

d) The Division will accept only examinations that have been completed in the 5

years prior to submission of the application, if never licensed in another jurisdiction.

General

Licensure

Requirements

225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 25/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 2309

Sec. 9. Qualifications of applicants for dental licenses. The Department shall require

that each applicant for a license to practice dentistry shall:

(a) (Blank).

(b) Be at least 21 years of age and of good moral

character.

of dental education by graduation from a dental college or school in the United

States or Canada approved by the Department. The Department shall not

approve any dental college or school which does not require at least (A) 60

semester hours of collegiate credit or the equivalent in acceptable subjects from a

college or university before admission, and (B) completion of at least 4 academic

years of instruction or the equivalent in an approved dental college or school that

is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental

Association; or

(2) Present satisfactory evidence of completion of

dental education by graduation from a dental college or school outside the United

States or Canada and provide satisfactory evidence that the applicant has: (A)

completed a minimum of 2 academic years of general dental clinical training and

obtained a doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) or doctorate of dental medicine

(DMD) at a dental college or school in the United States or Canada approved by

the Department; or (B) met the program requirements approved by rule by the

Department.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent

either the Department or any dental college or school from establishing higher

standards than specified in this Act.

(d) (Blank).

(e) Present satisfactory evidence that the applicant

has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination administered by the

Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and has successfully

completed an examination conducted by one of the following regional testing

services: the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS), the

Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc. (SRTA), the Western Regional Examining

Board (WREB), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), or

the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA). For purposes of this Section,

successful completion shall mean that the applicant has achieved a minimum

passing score as determined by the applicable regional testing service. The

Secretary may suspend a regional testing service under this subsection (e) if,

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 2 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

after proper notice and hearing, it is established that (i) the integrity of the

examination has been breached so as to make future test results unreliable or (ii)

the test is fundamentally deficient in testing clinical competency.

In determining professional capacity under this Section, any individual who has

not been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry, has not been a dental student,

or has not been engaged in a formal program of dental education during the 5 years

immediately preceding the filing of an application may be required to complete such

additional testing, training, or remedial education as the Board may deem necessary

in order to establish the applicant's present capacity to practice dentistry with

reasonable judgment, skill, and safety.

(225 ILCS 25/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 2310)

Sec. 10. Examinations for dental licensure. Examination shall be made in writing

in all theoretical subjects. Both theoretical and practical examinations shall be of a

character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice dentistry.

The examination papers and all grading thereon, and the grading of the practical

work, shall be deemed public documents, and preserved for a period of not less than

2 years after the Department shall have made and published its decisions thereon.

All examinations shall be conducted or authorized under fair and wholly impartial

methods.

Illinois Administrative Code Title 68 Section 1220.100 Application for

Licensure

An applicant for a license to practice dentistry in Illinois shall file an application on

forms supplied by the Division that shall include:

a) For graduates from a dental college or school in the United States or

Canada, certification of successful completion of 60 semester hours or its equivalent

of college pre-dental education, and graduation from a dental program specified in

Section 1220.140.

b) For graduates from a dental college or school outside of the United States or

Canada:

1) Certification of graduation from a dental college or school; and

2) Clinical Training

A) Certification from an approved dental college or school in the United States

or Canada that the applicant has completed a minimum of 2 years of general dental

clinical training at the school in which the applicant met the same level of scientific

knowledge and clinical competence as all graduates from that school or

college. The 2 years of general dental clinical training shall consist of:

i) 2850 clock hours completed in 2 academic years for full-time applicants; or

ii) 2850 clock hours completed in 4 years with a minimum of 700 hours per year

for part-time applicants; or

B) In the alternative, certification, from the program director of an accredited

advanced dental education program approved by the Division, of completion of no

less than 2 academic years may be substituted for the 2 academic years of general

dental clinical training. The accredited advanced dental education program must

have sufficient clinical and didactic training. An advanced dental education clinical

program in Prosthodontics is acceptable under this Part;

c) The required fee set forth in Section 1220.415(a)(1).

d) Proof of successful completion of the Theoretical examination given by

JCNDE. The passing score shall be determined by JCNDE. The National Board

Certificate must be mailed to the Division by JCNDE.

e) Proof of successful completion of an examination set forth in Section

1220.120(a).

f) Certification, on forms provided by the Division, from the state in which an

applicant was originally licensed and is currently licensed, if applicable, stating:

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 3 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

1) The time during which the applicant was licensed in that state, including the

date of the original issuance of the license; and

2) Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions

taken or pending.

Section 1220.120 Dental Examinations

a) The Division shall accept the following examinations for licensure if

administered and passed in their entirety (which includes passage of the restorative,

periodontal, prosthodontic and endodontic portions of the examination):

1) NERB Examination, with a passing score established by the testing entity;

2) CRDTS Examination, with a passing score established by the testing entity;

3) SRTA Examination, with a passing score established by the testing entity;

4) CDCA-WREB Examination, with a passing score established by the testing

entity; or

5) CITA Examination, with a passing score established by the testing agency.

b) Retake requirements shall be that of the testing entity.

c) The applicant shall have the examination scores submitted to the Division

directly from the reporting entity.

d) The Division will accept only examinations that have been completed in the

5 years prior to submission of the application, if never licensed in another

jurisdiction.

License by

Credential/

Endorsement

Requirements

225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 25/19 (from Ch. 111, par. 2319

Sec. 19. Licensing applicants from other states.

Any person who has been lawfully licensed to practice dentistry, including the

practice of a licensed dental specialty, or dental hygiene in another state or territory

or as a member of the military service which has and maintains a standard for the

practice of dentistry, a dental specialty, or dental hygiene at least equal to that now

maintained in this State, or if the requirements for licensure in such state or territory

in which the applicant was licensed were, at the date of his or her licensure,

substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State, and who has

been lawfully engaged in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene for at least 2

years immediately preceding the filing of his or her application to practice in this

State and who shall deposit with the Department a duly attested certificate from the

Board of the state or territory in which he or she is licensed, certifying to the fact of

his or her licensing and of his or her being a person of good moral character may,

upon payment of the required fee, be granted a license to practice dentistry, a dental

specialty, or dental hygiene in this State, as the case may be.

For the purposes of this Section, "substantially equivalent" means that the

applicant has presented evidence of completion and graduation from an American

Dental Association accredited dental college or school in the United States or

Canada, presented evidence that the applicant has passed both parts of the

National Board Dental Examination, and successfully completed an examination

conducted by a regional testing service.

Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application

process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be

denied, the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements

in effect at the time of reapplication.

225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 25/19.1

Sec. 19.1. Temporary authorization of applicants from other jurisdictions. A

person holding an active, unencumbered license in good standing in another

jurisdiction who applies for a license pursuant to Section 19 of this Act due to a

natural disaster or catastrophic event in another jurisdiction, may be temporarily

authorized by the Secretary to practice dentistry or dental hygiene under the

supervision of a dentist licensed under this Act, pending the issuance of the license.

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 4 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

This temporary authorization shall expire upon issuance of the license or upon

notification that the Department has denied licensure.

The Department may adopt all rules necessary for the administration of this

Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-1014, eff. 7-7-06.) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January

1, 2026)

Illinois Administrative Code Title 68 Section 1220.410 Endorsement

a) A person seeking licensure in Illinois as a dentist, a dental specialist or a

dental hygienist who is so licensed in another state or territory and has been lawfully

practicing for at least 3 of the last 5 years prior to application in Illinois, may be

granted licensure in Illinois upon proof that the requirements for licensure in the

other jurisdiction are at least equal to the requirements in Illinois.

b) An applicant for a dental license shall file an application for licensure on

forms provided by the Division, that shall include:

1) Certification of licensure in the original jurisdiction and from any jurisdiction

where the applicant has been practicing within the last 5 years, stating:

A) The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including

the date of the original issuance of the license;

B) Whether the files of the jurisdiction contain any record of any disciplinary

action taken or pending;

2) The applicant's National Board of Dentistry Examination scores, which must

be forwarded to the Division from the Joint Commission on National Dental

Examinations;

3) Certification of successful completion of 60 semester hours or its equivalent

of college level pre-dental education and graduation from a course of instruction in a

dental school that meets the minimum education standards of the Division specified

in Section 1220.140;

4) After May 21, 1993, for dental applicants who graduated from a dental

college or school outside of the United States or Canada:

A) Certification of graduation from a dental college or school;

B) Certification that the applicant was authorized to practice in the jurisdiction in

which the applicant attended dental school; and

C) Certification from an approved dental college or school in the United States

or Canada that the applicant has completed a minimum of 2 years of clinical training

at the school in which the applicant met the same level of scientific knowledge and

clinical competence as all graduates from that school or college. The 2 years of

clinical training shall consist of:

i) 2850 clock hours completed in 2 academic years for full-time applicants; or

ii) 2850 clock hours completed in 4 years with a minimum of 700 hours per year

for part-time applicants;

5) Verification of employment;

6) The fee required under Section 1220.415.

c) An applicant for a dental hygienist license shall file an application for

licensure on forms provided by the Division, that shall include:

1) Certification of licensure in the original jurisdiction and from any jurisdiction

where the applicant has been practicing within the last 5 years, stating:

A) The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including

the date of the original issuance of the license;

B) Whether the files of the jurisdiction contain any record of any disciplinary

action taken or pending;

2) The applicant's National Dental Hygienist Board Examination scores, which

must be forwarded to the Division from JCNDE;

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 5 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

3) Certification of 2 academic years of credit in an approved school of dental

hygiene that meets the minimum education standards of the Division specified in

Section 1220.250;

4) Verification of employment;

5) The fee required under Section 1220.415.

d) Applicants who have not actively practiced in 3 of the last 5 years may be

required to complete additional testing, training, or remedial education as the Board

may deem necessary in order to establish the applicant's present capacity to

practice dentistry.

(Source: Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 15907, effective July 25, 2014)

Specialty

Practice

225 ILCS 25/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 2304

Sec. 4. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Branches of dentistry" means the various specialties of dentistry which, for

purposes of this Act, shall be limited to the following: endodontics, oral and

maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry,

periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, and dental

anesthesiology.

"Specialist" means a dentist who has received a specialty license pursuant to

Section 11(b).

225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 25/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 2311

Sec. 11. Types of dental licenses. The Department shall have the authority to

issue the following types of licenses:

(a) General licenses. The Department shall issue a license authorizing practice as

a dentist to any person who qualifies for a license under this Act.

(b) Specialty licenses. The Department shall issue a license authorizing practice

as a specialist in any particular branch of dentistry to any dentist who has complied

with the requirements established for that particular branch of dentistry at the time of

making application. The Department shall establish additional requirements of any

dentist who announces or holds himself or herself out to the public as a specialist or

as being specially qualified in any particular branch of dentistry.

No dentist shall announce or hold himself or herself out to the public as a

specialist or as being specially qualified in any particular branch of dentistry unless

he or she is licensed to practice in that specialty of dentistry.

The fact that any dentist shall announce by card, letterhead or any other form of

communication using terms as "Specialist," "Practice Limited To" or "Limited to

Specialty of" with the name of the branch of dentistry practiced as a specialty, or

shall use equivalent words or phrases to announce the same, shall be prima facie

evidence that the dentist is holding himself or herself out to the public as a specialist.

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 45. Advertising. The purpose of this Section is to authorize and regulate the

advertisement by dentists of information which is intended to provide the public with

a sufficient basis upon which to make an informed selection of dentists while

protecting the public from false or misleading advertisements which would detract

from the fair and rational selection process.

Any dentist may advertise the availability of dental services in the public media or

on the premises where such dental services are rendered. Such advertising shall be

limited to the following information:

(a) The dental services available;

(b) Publication of the dentist's name, title, office hours, address and telephone;

appropriate board certification or limitation of professional practice;

(d) Information on usual and customary fees for routine dental services offered,

which information shall include notification that fees may be adjusted due to

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 6 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

complications or unforeseen circumstances;

(e) Announcement of the opening of, change of, absence from, or return to

business;

(f) Announcement of additions to or deletions from professional dental staff;

(g) The issuance of business or appointment cards;

(h) Other information about the dentist, dentist's practice or the types of

dental services which the dentist offers to perform which a reasonable person

might regard as relevant in determining whether to seek the dentist's services.

However, any advertisement which announces the availability of endodontics,

pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics and dentofacial

orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or oral and maxillofacial radiology

by a general dentist or by a licensed specialist who is not licensed in that

specialty shall include a disclaimer stating that the dentist does not hold a

license in that specialty.

Any dental practice with more than one location that enrolls its dentist as a

participating provider in a managed care plan's network must verify electronically or

in writing to the managed care plan whether the provider is accepting new patients

at each of the specific locations listing the provider. The health plan shall remove the

provider from the directory in accordance with standard practices within 10 business

days after being notified of the changes by the provider. Nothing in this paragraph

shall void any contractual relationship between the provider and the plan.

It is unlawful for any dentist licensed under this Act to do any of the following:

(1) Use claims of superior quality of care to entice the public.

(2) Advertise in any way to practice dentistry without causing pain.

(3) Pay a fee to any dental referral service or other third party who advertises a

dental referral service, unless all advertising of the dental referral service makes it

clear that dentists are paying a fee for that referral service.

(4) Advertise or offer gifts as an inducement to secure dental patronage.

Dentists may advertise or offer free examinations or free dental services; it shall be

unlawful, however, for any dentist to charge a fee to any new patient for any dental

service provided at the time that such free examination or free dental services are

provided.

(5) Use the term "sedation dentistry" or similar terms in advertising unless the

advertising dentist holds a valid and current permit issued by the Department to

administer either general anesthesia, deep sedation, or conscious sedation as

required under Section 8.1 of this Act. This Act does not authorize the advertising

of dental services when the offer or of such services is not a dentist. Nor shall the

dentist use statements which contain false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading

material or guarantees of success, statements which play upon the vanity or fears of

the public, or statements which promote or produce unfair competition.

A dentist shall be required to keep a copy of all advertisements for a period of 3

years. All advertisements in the dentist's possession shall indicate the accurate date

and place of publication.

The Department shall adopt rules to carry out the intent of this Section. (Source:

P.A. 99-329, eff. 1-1-16.)

Illinois Administrative Code Section 1220.310 Applications

a) An applicant for licensure as a dental specialist must be currently

licensed as a dentist in Illinois and must file an application. The application

shall include the following:

1) Certification of completion of dental specialty training in accordance

with subsection (b);

2) The fee required in Section 1220.415(a)(2).

b) To qualify for licensure as a specialist in endodontics, pediatric

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 7 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

dentistry, prosthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, or

orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, the applicant must submit, in

addition to the requirements of subsection (a), records, certified by the

director of the program, showing that the applicant has successfully

completed a course of study of not less than 2 academic years in a program

approved by the Division in the dental specialty he or she proposes to

practice.

c) To further qualify for licensure as a specialist in oral and maxillofacial

surgery, the applicant must submit, in addition to the requirements of

subsection (a), the following:

1) The oral and maxillofacial surgery application must contain evidence

that the applicant has successfully completed a 4 year (48 months) period of

training in oral and maxillofacial surgery in a school and/or hospital approved

by the Division. A minimum of 30 months shall be in clinical oral and

maxillofacial surgery. The schedule shall include 24 months of full-time

hospital training in an acceptable oral and maxillofacial surgery residency

program. Not less than 4 months of this period must be devoted to training in

anesthesiology.

2) Certified records are required from the Dean of the dental school or

the head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the hospital or

clinic in which the oral and maxillofacial surgery training took place. The

records must attest to the individual's successful completion of the program.

d) After July 1, 1994, periodontic specialty programs shall be 3

consecutive academic years with a minimum of 30 months of instruction. At

least 2 consecutive years of clinical education must take place in a single

educational setting. Applicants who completed periodontic specialty training

prior to July 1, 1994, shall have successfully completed a course of study of

not less than 2 academic years in a program approved by the Division.

e) The Division shall accept those specialty education providers

accredited, at the time the education was obtained, by CODA.

(Source: Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 15907, effective July 25, 2014)

Illinois Administrative Code, Title 68, Section 1220.421 Advertising

a) Persons licensed to practice dentistry in the State of Illinois may advertise in

any medium or other form of public communication in a manner that is truthful, and

that is not fraudulent, deceptive, inherently misleading or proven to be misleading in

practice. The advertising shall contain all information necessary to make the

communication not misleading and shall not contain any false or misleading

statement or otherwise operate to deceive.

b) Information that may be contained in the advertising includes:

1) Dentist's name, address, office hours and telephone number;

2) Schools attended;

3) Announcement of the opening of, change of, or return to practice;

4) Announcement of additions to or deletions from professional dental staff

(Section 45 of the Act);

5) Dentist's hospital affiliations;

6) Any specialty licenses held, Board certification, professional society

memberships and any limitations or concentrations of practice;

7) Credit arrangements and/or acceptance of Medicare/Medicaid patients;

8) Foreign language ability;

9) Usual and customary fees for routine professional services that must include

a statement that fees may be adjusted due to complications or unforeseen

circumstances unless the fees do not vary under any circumstances;

10) Description of offices in which dentist practices, e.g., accessibility to the

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 8 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

handicapped, laboratory facilities on the premises, convenience of parking; and

11) Other information about the dentist, the dentist's practice, or the types of

practice in which the dentist will accept employment, which a reasonable person

might regard as relevant in determining whether to seek the dentist's services.

(Section 45 of the Act)

c) If an advertisement is communicated to the public over television, radio or

the Internet, it shall be prerecorded and approved for broadcast by the dentist, and a

recording of the actual transmission, including videotape, shall be retained by the

dentist for a period of at least 3 years. Upon a written request from the Division, a

dentist shall provide the Division with a copy of any such advertisement within 7

working days after receipt of the request (e.g., upon initiation of any investigation,

receipt of a complaint, inquiry from the public, etc.).

d) Information that may be untruthful, fraudulent, deceptive, inherently

misleading, or that has proven to be misleading in practice includes that which:

1) Contains a misrepresentation of fact or omits a material fact required to

prevent deception;

2) Guarantees favorable results or creates false or unjustified expectations of

favorable results;

3) Takes advantage of the potential client's fears, anxieties, vanities, or other

emotions;

4) Contains exaggerations pertaining to the quality of dental care;

5) Describes as available products or services that are not permitted by the

laws of this State and/or applicable Federal laws; and

6) Advertises professional services that the dentist is not licensed to render.

e) A dentist may incorporate as a professional service corporation or other

business entity permitted to provide dental services under a fictitious or an assumed

name; however, all advertisements for dental services to be performed by members

or employees of the corporation or other business entity must comply with the

following conditions:

1) A dentist licensed and practicing in Illinois shall be designated at each

practice location for the corporation or other business entity who shall assume

responsibility for all advertising in Illinois.

2) The name, office address and office phone number of the designated

dentists shall appear in all advertising for the corporation or other business entity.

3) The names of the owners of the corporation or other business entity, if other

than the designated dentists, shall appear in all advertising for the corporation or

other business entity.

4) A list of all dentists employed by the corporation or other business entity who

perform dental services shall be prominently displayed at the location where they

practice.

5) If the corporation or other business entity offers to practice both

general dentistry and any licensed specialty, all advertising for the specialty

shall include the name of the licensed dental specialists who performs the

specialty services.

f) When words relating to specialty practice are used in an advertisement,

the advertisement must not imply that the dentist offering those services is

licensed as a specialist unless he holds a specialty license issued by the

Division. Words that cannot be used by a dentist unless licensed in that

specialty are Endodontist, Pedodontist, Pediatric Dentist, Periodontist,

Prosthodontist, Orthodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist, or Oral and

Maxillofacial Surgeon. Terms such as "Specialist", "Practice Limited To" or

"Limited To Specialty Of", with the name of the branch of dentistry practiced

as a specialty, (endodontics, periodontics (pediatric dentistry), periodontics,

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 9 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and

maxillofacial surgery) shall be prima facie evidence that such dentist is

holding himself out to the public as a specialist. A general dentist who

advertises, in any media, using words or phrases customarily used by a

specialist, except those prohibited above, but who does not hold a specialty

license, shall include in the advertisement a prominent disclaimer that he or

she is licensed only as a general dentist.

g) Any advertisements offering the availability of those recognized dental

specialties specified in Section 1220.310, or offering the availability of some

other "specialty" practice not specifically recognized by the Division shall

contain a prominent disclaimer in the form of a statement setting forth the

specialties in which the dentist is licensed in Illinois and/or a statement that

the dentist is licensed to practice as a general dentist in Illinois.

h) Advertising shall not use language suggesting a dental specialty that is

not specified in Section 1220.310 unless it contains the disclaimer required in

subsection (g). Examples of language requiring disclaimer: family dentistry,

cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, preventive dentistry, hospital

dentistry, implant dentistry, TMJ, cranio mandibular dentistry.

Continuing

Education

225 Illinois Compiled Statutes 25/16.1) (from Ch. 111, par. 2316.1

Sec. 16.1. Continuing education. The Department shall promulgate rules of

continuing education for persons licensed under this Act. In establishing rules, the

Department shall require a minimum of 48 hours of study in approved courses for

dentists during each 3-year licensing period and a minimum of 36 hours of study in

approved courses for dental hygienists during each 3-year licensing period.

The Department shall approve only courses that are relevant to the treatment and

care of patients, including, but not limited to, clinical courses in dentistry and dental

hygiene and nonclinical courses such as patient management, legal and ethical

responsibilities, and stress management. The Department shall allow up to 4 hours

of continuing education credit hours per license renewal period for volunteer hours

spent providing clinical services at, or sponsored by, a nonprofit community clinic,

local or state health department, or a charity event. Courses shall not be approved in

such subjects as estate and financial planning, investments, or personal health.

Approved courses may include, but shall not be limited to, courses that are offered

or sponsored by approved colleges, universities, and hospitals and by recognized

national, State, and local dental and dental hygiene organizations.

No license shall be renewed unless the renewal application is accompanied by an

affidavit indicating that the applicant has completed the required minimum number of

hours of continuing education in approved courses as required by this Section. The

affidavit shall not require a listing of courses. The affidavit shall be a prima facie

evidence that the applicant has obtained the minimum number of required continuing

education hours in approved courses. The Department shall not be obligated to

conduct random audits or otherwise independently verify that an applicant has met

the continuing education requirement. The Department, however, may not conduct

random audits of more than 10% of the licensed dentists and dental hygienists in

any one licensing cycle to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

If the Department, however, receives a complaint that a licensee has not completed

the required continuing education or if the Department is investigating another

alleged violation of this Act by a licensee, the Department may demand and shall be

entitled to receive evidence from any licensee of completion of required continuing

education courses for the most recently completed 3-year licensing period. Evidence

of continuing education may include, but is not limited to, canceled checks, official

verification forms of attendance, and continuing education recording forms, that

demonstrate a reasonable record of attendance. The Board shall determine, in

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 10 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

accordance with rules adopted by the Department, whether a licensee or applicant

has met the continuing education requirements. Any dentist who holds more than

one license under this Act shall be required to complete only the minimum number of

hours of continuing education required for renewal of a single license. The

Department may provide exemptions from continuing education requirements.

(Source: P.A. 99-492, eff. 12-31-15.) (Section scheduled to be repealed on

January 1, 2026)

Illinois Administrative Code Title 68 Section 1220.170 Renewal

a) Beginning with the September 30, 2006 renewal, every dental license issued

under the Act shall expire on September 30 every 3 years. The holder of a license

may renew the license during the month preceding the expiration date thereof by

paying the fee required in Section 21 of the Act and certifying to fulfillment of 48

hours of continuing education pursuant to Section 1220.440.

b) A renewal applicant must provide proof of current certification in BLS by an

organization that has adopted the American Heart Association's or American Red

Cross' guidelines on BLS or a statement provided by the dentist's licensed physician

indicating that the applicant is physically disabled and unable to obtain certification;

c) It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any change of

address. Failure to receive a renewal form from the Division shall not constitute an

excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee or to renew one's license.

d) Practicing or offering to practice on a license that has expired shall be

considered unlicensed activity and shall be grounds for discipline pursuant to

Section 23 of the Act.

(Source: Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 15907, effective July 25, 2014)

Illinois Administrative Code Title 68 Section 1220.440 Continuing Education

a) Continuing Education Hours Requirements

1) Each person who applies for renewal of a license as a dentist shall have

completed 48 hours of continuing education (CE) relevant to the practice of dentistry

during the prerenewal period.

2) Each person who applies for renewal of a license as a dental hygienist shall

have completed 36 hours of CE relevant to the practice of dental hygiene during the

prerenewal period.

3) A prerenewal period is the 36 months preceding September 30 of the year of

the renewal.

4) A renewal applicant is not required to comply with CE requirements for the

first renewal following the original issuance of a dental or dental hygienist license.

5) Continuing education is not required to renew a dental specialty license. The

holder of a dental specialty license is, however, required to complete 48 hours to

renew the dental license.

6) Dentists or dental hygienist licensed in Illinois but residing in other states

shall comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section.

7) Continuing education credit for hours used to satisfy the CE requirements of

another state may be applied to fulfillment of the CE requirements of the State of

Illinois.

b) Approved Continuing Education/Continuing Education Sponsors

1) All CE courses shall be relevant to the treatment and care of patients and

shall be:

A) Clinical courses in dentistry and dental hygiene; or

B) Nonclinical subjects that relate to the skills necessary to provide dental or

dental hygiene services and are supportive of clinical services (i.e., patient

management, legal and ethical responsibilities, stress management). Courses not

acceptable for the purpose of this definition include, but are not limited to, estate

planning, financial planning, investments and personal health.

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 11 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

2) CE credit may be earned for verifiable attendance at or participation in any

courses that meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1) given by one of the

following sponsors:

A) American Dental Association and National Dental Association, its constituent

and component/branch associations and the American Dental Association

Continuing Education Recognition Programs;

B) American Dental Hygienist's Association and National Dental Hygienist's

Association, its constituent and component/branch associations;

C) Dental programs approved by the Division as meeting minimum standards

for an approved curriculum in dentistry under Section 1220.140 and dental hygiene

programs approved under Section 1220.250;

D) Organizations of specialties recognized by the American Dental Association

and its constituent and component/branch associations, which are:

i) Oral and maxillofacial surgery;

ii) Endodontics;

iii) Pediatric dentistry;

iv) Prosthodontics;

v) Orthodontics;

vi) Periodontology;

vii) Oral and maxillofacial radiology;

E) Academy of General Dentistry, its constituent and component/branch

associations and approved sponsors;

F) American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and its constituent and

component/branch associations;

G) Community colleges with an approved dental hygiene program if offered

under the auspices of the dental hygiene program;

H) A college or university accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Office

of Education or a community college approved by the Illinois Community College

Board;

I) A hospital that has been accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation

of Healthcare Organizations;

J) The American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society;

K) A medical school that is accredited by the American Medical Association's

Liaison Committee for Medical Education;

L) American Medical Association (AMA), specialty medical

associations/organizations, the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical

Education;

M) Federal and State government agencies (i.e., dental division, military dental

division, Veterans' Administration, etc.);

N) A sponsor whose course is approved by the National Board for Certification

in Dental Laboratory Technology; or

O) A person, firm or association approved by the Division in accordance with

subsection (c).

3) CE credit may be earned for completion of an individual study course

(correspondence, audio or video course) sponsored by an approved sponsor. The

courses shall include a test that the licensee must pass to obtain credit. No more

than 50% of the required CE credit hours during a prerenewal period may be

acquired through correspondence courses.

4) CE credit may be earned from teleconferencing courses with a moderator

present given by an Illinois approved sponsor.

5) CE credit may be earned from courses leading to an advanced degree or

specialty in dental or dental hygiene. The courses shall be allotted CE credit at the

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 12 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

rate of 15 CE hours for each semester hour and 10 CE hours for each quarter hour

of school credit awarded.

6) CE credit may be earned as an instructor of continuing education courses

given by approved sponsors. Credit will be applied for every hour taught and only

for the first presentation of the program (i.e., credit shall not be allowed for

repetitious presentations). No more than 50% of the required CE credit hours during

a prerenewal period may be acquired through teaching continuing education

courses.

7) CE credit may be earned for presenting volunteer community oral health

education programs. Credit will be applied for each hour of presentation

documented by the program director. No more than 2 hours of the required CE

credit hours during a prerenewal period may be acquired through presentation of

volunteer community oral health education programs.

8) Continuing education hours required by a disciplinary order shall not be used

to satisfy the continuing education requirements for license renewal.

9) If a renewal applicant will be earning or has earned CE hours in another

jurisdiction, but is not licensed in that jurisdiction and the course is not presented by

an Illinois approved sponsor, the applicant shall submit an individual program

approval request form, along with a $20 processing fee, to have the program

reviewed. The Board shall review and recommend approval or disapproval of the

program using the criteria set forth in subsection (b)(1). Applicants may seek

individual program approval prior to participation in the course or program. All

individual program approval requests shall be submitted prior to the expiration date

of the license.

c) Sponsor Application Pursuant to Subsection (b)(2)(O)

1) Entities seeking approval as CE sponsors pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(O)

shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division, along with the fee set

forth in Section 1220.415(a)(9). The applicant shall certify on the application the

following:

A) That all programs offered by the sponsor for CE credit will comply with the

criteria in subsection (b)(1) and all other criteria in this Section;

B) That the sponsor will be responsible for providing a certificate of attendance

and will maintain attendance records for at least 5 years. The certificate of

attendance shall contain:

i) The name and address of the sponsor;

ii) The name, address and license number of the participant;

iii) A brief statement of the subject matter;

iv) The number of hours attended in each program;

v) An indication of whether the program fulfills CE requirements for dentist,

dental hygienist or both;

vi) The date and place of the program; and

vii) The signature of the sponsor;

C) That, upon request by the Division, the sponsor will submit evidence (e.g.,

certificate of attendance or course materials) as is necessary to establish

compliance with this Section. Evidence shall be required when the Division has

reason to believe that there is not full compliance with this Part and that the

information is necessary to ensure compliance.

2) To maintain approval as a sponsor, each sponsor shall submit to the Division

by September 30 of each even-numbered year a renewal application, the fee set

forth in Section 1220.415(b)(5) and a list of courses and programs offered within the

last 24 months. The list shall include a brief description, location, date and time of

each course given.

Illinois Laws & Rules Page 13 of 13

Updated: 2 July 2024

The ADA attempts to keep this information current based on information from state dental boards, clinical testing agencies and state dental

associations. Individuals seeking dental licensure should consult with the state board of dentistry and their professional advisors for the complete

and most recent dental licensure information, application requirements, forms and fees.

3) The sponsor shall be responsible for ensuring that any dentist or dental

hygienist who will be performing some type of procedure as a part of a continuing

education course shall have a current license in Illinois or another jurisdiction.

d) Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

1) Each renewal applicant shall certify, on the renewal application, to full

compliance with the CE requirements set forth in subsection (a).

2) The Division may require additional evidence (e.g., certificate of attendance,

transcripts and proof of registration) demonstrating compliance with the CE

requirements. It is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise

produce evidence of the compliance. The evidence shall be retained for at least 5

years following the renewal period in which the CE was taken.

3) The Division may conduct random audits to verify compliance with CE

requirements.

4) When there is evidence of a lack of compliance with CE requirements, an

applicant shall be notified in writing and may request a hearing before the Board.

The Division may recommend that steps be taken to begin the formal disciplinary

proceedings as required by Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure

Act [5 ILCS 100/10-65].

e) Waiver of CE Requirements

1) Any renewal applicant seeking renewal of the license or certificate without

having fully complied with these CE requirements shall file with the Division a

renewal application, a statement setting forth the facts concerning the

noncompliance, a request for waiver of the CE requirements on the basis of the facts

and, if desired, a request for an interview before the Board. If the Division finds, from

the statement or any other evidence submitted, that good cause has been shown for

granting a waiver of the CE requirements, or any part thereof, the Division shall

waive enforcement of those requirements for the renewal period for which the

applicant has applied.

2) Good cause shall be defined as an inability to devote sufficient hours to

fulfilling the CE requirements during the applicable prerenewal period because of:

A) Full-time service in the armed forces of the United States of America during a

substantial part of that period;

B) A temporary incapacitating illness documented by a licensed physician. A

second, consecutive request for a CE waiver pursuant to this subsection (e)(2)(B)

shall be prima facie proof that the renewal applicant has a physical or mental illness,

including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor

skills that results in the dentist's inability to practice dentistry with reasonable

judgment, skill or safety, in violation of Section 23(24) of the Act, and shall be

grounds for denial of the renewal or other discipline;

C) Temporary undue hardship (e.g., prolonged hospitalization, being disabled

and unable to practice dentistry or dental hygiene on a temporary basis).

3) If an interview is requested at the time the request for waiver is filed with the

Division, the renewal applicant shall be given at least 20 days written notice of the

date, time and place of the interview by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(Source: Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 12553, effective September 2, 2016)