Before booking with a new dentist in Washington, DC, it's worth taking a few minutes to confirm they're properly licensed. DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) offers a free, daily-updated online licensure lookup covering the Board of Dentistry. Here's exactly how to use it.
Why Checking a Dentist's License Matters
A quick check before your appointment can help you:
Confirm the dentist is currently authorized to practice in the District of Columbia
Spot an expired license before booking
Review disciplinary actions if applicable
Avoid unlicensed or fraudulent practitioners
Feel more confident about a dentist you found through an ad, referral, or online search
DC's Official Dental Licensing Board
Dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental assistants in the District of Columbia are licensed by the DC Board of Dentistry, part of DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA).
Board of Dentistry page: dchealth.dc.gov/service/board-dentistry-dentistry-licensing
License verification / lookup portal: accessible through dchealth.dc.gov/service/get-verification-your-license
Phone: (202) 442-5955 or (877) 672-2174
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
DC Health explicitly states that its online licensure lookup data is derived directly from HRLA's own database, updated daily, and is therefore considered a primary source.
Step-by-Step: How to Look Up a Dentist's License in DC
Go to the licensure lookup portal, linked from DC Health's "Get a Verification of your License" page.
Enter your search details, such as the dentist's name or license number.
Submit the search and review the results, which show license status, type, issue date, and expiration date, along with any disciplinary actions if applicable.
For an official paper verification (for example, for credentialing purposes), complete the Verification of Licensure Form and submit it along with a $34.00 fee to the address listed on the form — this is separate from the free online lookup.
What Do the Different License Statuses Mean?
DC dental license statuses generally include:
Active: The dentist holds a current license and is authorized to practice in the District of Columbia. DC dental licenses (for dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental assistants) renew biennially and expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Expired/Lapsed: The license was not renewed by its deadline and is not currently valid for practice.
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.
DC dentists must generally complete continuing education requirements as a condition of renewal — commonly around 50 hours every two years, including specific hours designated for public health priority topics — administrative requirements tied to renewal rather than a separate visible "status," but part of what keeps a license valid.
How to Interpret Disciplinary Actions or Public Complaints
The DC Board of Dentistry receives and reviews complaints, requests investigations, conducts hearings, and issues an annual report as part of its oversight role. If a search result shows a disciplinary notation:
Review what's shown directly in the licensure lookup result
Contact the Board at (202) 442-5955 or [email protected] for more context
Check whether the Board's meeting agendas (available for its hybrid in-person/virtual meetings) reference relevant matters, since these are open to the public
What to Do If a Dentist's Status Looks Inactive, Suspended, or Concerning
Confirm your search details are accurate, especially with common names.
Call the Board at (202) 442-5955 if a status is unclear.
Review any disciplinary actions shown in the lookup result.
Ask the dental practice about their current licensing status directly.
Choose a different provider if the license is confirmed expired, suspended, or revoked, since your care shouldn't depend on someone not currently authorized to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DC's licensure lookup portal free?
Yes, the online lookup is free. An official paper verification costs $34.00 and requires the separate Verification of Licensure Form.
Do I need a license number to search?
No, you can search by name as well.
Does the tool cover dental hygienists and dental assistants too?
Yes, the DC Board of Dentistry licenses and regulates dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental assistants, all covered by the same lookup system.
How current is the information in the lookup portal?
DC Health states the data is updated daily directly from HRLA's database and is considered a primary source.
How often do DC dentists renew their licenses?
DC dental licenses renew biennially and expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Closing Summary
Checking a dentist's license in the District of Columbia is quick and free through DC Health's licensure lookup portal. Confirm the license is active, review any disciplinary actions shown, and call the DC Board of Dentistry at (202) 442-5955 if anything looks unclear. A little diligence now can help you feel confident before your next dental visit.