Before you book with a new dentist in Connecticut, it's worth taking a few minutes to confirm their license is active and free of red flags. Connecticut's Department of Public Health makes this information available through a free online portal that covers hundreds of license types, including dentistry. Here's exactly how to use it.

Why Checking a Dentist's License Matters

Verifying a license before your appointment can help you:

  • Confirm state law requirements for active dental licensure are met

  • Check whether the dentist has completed continuing education requirements

  • Discover any public disciplinary actions or restrictions

  • Avoid unlicensed or fraudulent practitioners

  • Feel more confident choosing a dentist you found through an ad, referral, or online search

Connecticut's Official Dental Licensing Authority

Dentists and dental hygienists in Connecticut are licensed by the Connecticut State Dental Commission, operating under the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Connecticut's eLicense portal is a real-time system covering more than 800 license types across state agencies, so dentists, dental hygienists, and dental permit holders (such as anesthesia/conscious sedation permits) all appear in the same statewide search tool.

Step-by-Step: How to Look Up a Dentist's License in Connecticut

  1. Go to the eLicense License Lookup page at elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx.

  2. Select the license type. Choose "Dentist" (or "Dental Hygienist," "Dental Anesthesia/Conscious Sedation Permit," etc.) from the profession list.

  3. Enter your search criteria. You can typically search using:

    • License number

    • First and last name

    • Business name

    • City or town

  4. Submit the search and review the results list.

  5. Open the record to view current license status, original issue date, expiration date, license type and number, and practice location.

  6. Look for public disciplinary actions. The system displays any public disciplinary history tied to the license.

If you'd rather verify by mail, you can send a written request with the dentist's full name, license number (if known), your contact information, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Connecticut State Dental Commission at the address above.

What Do the Different License Statuses Mean?

Common statuses you may see in Connecticut's eLicense system include:

  • Active: The dentist holds a current license and is authorized to practice in Connecticut.

  • Inactive: The license is on record but the dentist is not currently authorized to practice under it, often due to voluntary inactive status.

  • Expired: The license was not renewed by its expiration date and is no longer valid for practice until renewed.

  • Suspended: The Commission has temporarily removed the dentist's ability to practice, typically as part of a disciplinary action.

  • Revoked: The Commission has permanently terminated the license after serious misconduct.

  • Probation/Restricted: The dentist may continue practicing, but under specific conditions imposed following a disciplinary matter.

Connecticut dentists are also subject to mandatory continuing education requirements, so it's worth confirming a license isn't just active, but also fully compliant, if that level of detail matters to you.

How to Interpret Disciplinary Actions or Public Complaints

Connecticut's Department of Public Health investigates health care complaints and holds disciplinary hearings through its Public Health Hearing Office, which oversees matters for the Dental Commission specifically.

  • Public Health Hearing Office/Disciplinary Hearings: (860) 509-7566, [email protected]

  • Public disciplinary actions tied to a license are generally viewable in the eLicense search results

  • To file a new health care complaint, or to get more background on an existing disciplinary action, contact the Public Health Hearing Office directly

Keep in mind that DPH's Legal Division represents the department itself in these matters, not individual patients or licensees, so if you need legal advice about a specific situation, that would come from a private attorney.

What to Do If a Dentist's Status Looks Inactive, Suspended, or Concerning

  1. Document what you find — note the status, dates, and any disciplinary details shown.

  2. Call the Dental Commission at (860) 509-7603 to ask what an unclear status means.

  3. File a complaint with the Dental Commission if you uncover a significant problem, and consider seeking care elsewhere in the meantime.

  4. For less serious concerns, discuss them directly with your dentist's office and ask for clarification.

  5. Report suspected unlicensed practice immediately to the Department of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Connecticut's eLicense lookup tool free?
Yes, it's a free public service provided by the state.

Do I need a license number to search?
No. You can search by name, business name, or city/town as well.

Does the tool cover dental hygienists and permit holders too?
Yes, eLicense covers dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental anesthesia/conscious sedation permit holders.

Can I verify a license by mail instead of online?
Yes. Send a written request with the dentist's name, license number (if known), your contact information, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Connecticut State Dental Commission.

What if a dentist practices in multiple states?
Verify the license separately in each state where the dentist practices, since licensure and disciplinary records are maintained independently by each state's board.

Closing Summary

Checking a dentist's license in Connecticut is quick and free through the state's eLicense portal at elicense.ct.gov. Confirm the license is active, review any public disciplinary history, and contact the Connecticut State Dental Commission at (860) 509-7603 if you have questions. A few minutes of verification can give you real peace of mind before your next dental visit.

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