Minnesota Dental Licensure

To ensure that dentists, dental hygienists and registered dental assistants are appropriately credentialed to practice in Minnesota, licensure requirements must be met. It’s important to learn about these requirements early in the employment process to allow sufficient time to complete necessary documentation, particularly for those who are already licensed in another state or who completed their dental education outside of the United States or Canada.

Internationally-Educated Dentists

In an effort to meet the needs of the upper Midwest’s increasingly diverse population and to facilitate Minnesota dental licensure, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry established in 2005 a “PASS” Program (follow link, then click on “UMNPASS Launches”). This two-year dental education program allows dentists educated outside of the United States or Canada to obtain additional education as one pathway toward Minnesota licensure.

If you’re a member of the Minnesota Dental Association and you received your dental education in another country, you may wish to become active in the MDA’s “International Dentists Subcommittee.” It’s a great way to network and exchange ideas with dentists who may have traveled the same road as you, regardless how long you’ve made Minnesota your home! Call the Minnesota Dental Association for more information (612-767-8400).