Picking a new dentist in Arkansas? A quick, free check of their license can confirm they're legally authorized to practice and give you peace of mind before your first appointment. Arkansas's dental regulator publishes licensing data online for exactly this purpose. Here's how to use it.
Why Checking a Dentist's License Matters
Taking a few minutes to verify a license lets you:
Confirm the dentist holds a valid, current license to practice in Arkansas
Spot a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license before booking
Check for disciplinary history tied to that provider
Steer clear of unlicensed or fraudulent practitioners
Feel more confident about a dentist you found through an ad, referral, or insurance directory
Arkansas's Official Dental Licensing Board
Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in Arkansas are licensed and regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE), which operates under the Arkansas Department of Health.
Board information page: healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/dental-examiners-arkansas-state-board
License Search & Verification tool: hosted through the Board's "State Solutions" portal and linked from the Board's page above, under License Verification
Phone: (501) 682-2085
Address: 101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 111, Little Rock, AR 72201
More than 5,000 dental professionals hold a current license or permit issued by the Board, and the lookup tool covers all of them: dentists, dental hygienists, and registered dental assistants.
Step-by-Step: How to Look Up a Dentist's License in Arkansas
Go to the Board's website at healthy.arkansas.gov and find the License Search & Verification link, or search for "Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners license search."
Choose a search field. You only need to fill in one of the following:
License number — the fastest option if you have it from a receipt or paperwork
Last name — accepts partial entries, so a few letters will pull up potential matches
City — narrows results to a specific location
ZIP code — works the same way as city
Submit the search and review the list of matching practitioners.
Open the record to see the practitioner's current license status, license type, and location.
Note: a separate dental hygienist roster search and dentist roster search are also available directly through the Arkansas Department of Health's website if the primary tool doesn't return what you're looking for.
If the online tool isn't working or you'd like the Board to send an official written verification, you can also submit a Verification of Licensure Request Form through the Board's website, or call (501) 682-2085 directly.
What Do the Different License Statuses Mean?
When you find a matching record, you'll typically see a status such as:
Active/Current: The dentist holds a valid license and is authorized to practice in Arkansas.
Expired: The license has lapsed, usually due to non-renewal, and the dentist is not currently authorized to practice until it's renewed.
Suspended: The Board has temporarily removed the dentist's ability to practice, typically as part of a disciplinary action.
Revoked: The Board has permanently terminated the license following a serious violation of the Dental Practice Act or Board rules.
Probation: The dentist can continue practicing but under specific conditions set by the Board, often following a disciplinary case.
Arkansas dental licenses are generally renewed on a set cycle (dental hygienist licenses renew every even-numbered year, for example), so an "expired" status doesn't automatically mean something serious happened — but it does mean the dentist currently isn't authorized to practice until they renew.
How to Interpret Disciplinary Actions or Public Complaints
The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners is authorized to discipline licensees for violations of the Dental Practice Act, the Dental Corporation Act, or the Board's own rules and regulations, and it holds disciplinary hearings in conjunction with its regular meetings (held eight or more times a year). If a licensee's record shows a disciplinary notation, or if you want to know more about a specific action:
Contact the Board directly at (501) 682-2085 for details on any disciplinary history
Ask whether meeting minutes or board orders related to that licensee are available for review
Keep in mind that the Board is entirely self-funded through licensing and disciplinary fees, and takes its oversight role seriously as the sole regulator of dental practice in the state
What to Do If a Dentist's Status Looks Inactive, Suspended, or Concerning
Re-check your search to rule out a typo or a similarly named provider.
Call the Board at (501) 682-2085 to ask what the status means and whether it involves discipline.
Request an official verification letter if you need documented confirmation of a license status.
Ask the dental practice directly — a legitimate office should be able to explain any licensing questions.
Choose a different provider if the license is confirmed expired, suspended, or revoked, since your care shouldn't depend on an unlicensed or restricted practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas's dental license lookup free to use?
Yes, it's a free public service provided by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
What information do I need to search?
Just one piece of information is required — a license number, last name, city, or ZIP code.
Does the lookup tool cover dental hygienists and assistants too?
Yes, it covers dentists, dental hygienists, and registered dental assistants licensed in Arkansas.
What if a dentist practices in Arkansas but is licensed through the Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact from another state?
As of this writing, the interstate compact has reached its activation threshold but is not yet issuing practice privileges; full implementation is expected to take 18–24 months from activation. For now, every dentist practicing in Arkansas needs a standard Arkansas-issued license or permit, which will appear in the ASBDE database.
Can I get written proof of a dentist's license status?
Yes, you can submit a Verification of Licensure Request Form through the Board's website for an official written verification.
Closing Summary
Verifying a dentist's license in Arkansas is quick, free, and only requires one piece of identifying information. Use the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners' online License Search & Verification tool to confirm a license is active, and don't hesitate to call the Board at (501) 682-2085 if a status looks unclear or concerning. A few minutes of checking can give you real confidence before your next dental visit.