{"data":{"id":"us-sd/sdcl-36-6a-44","jurisdiction":"us-sd","citation":"SDCL § 36-6A-44","heading":"Criteria for license to practice dentistry.","body":"Any person desiring to practice as a dentist may obtain a license to practice as a dentist if the applicant satisfies each of the following criteria:\n(1) The application for a license to practice as a dentist is in writing and signed by the applicant;\n(2) The applicant has passed a standardized national comprehensive examination approved by the board;\n(3) The applicant has graduated from an American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited United States dental school, having obtained a doctor of dental medicine or a doctor of dental surgery degree;\n(4) Within five years preceding the date of application, the applicant has passed a clinical regional or national examination approved by the board or a state examination or examinations that the board deems equivalent;\n(5) The applicant has passed an examination concerning the state laws and rules relating to dentistry;\n(6) The applicant has no disciplinary proceeding or unresolved disciplinary complaint pending before a dental board at the time a license is to be issued by the board; and\n(7) The applicant provides references that indicate the applicant is of good moral character\nThe board may require a laboratory or clinical examination of any applicant if it has reason to believe the applicant cannot practice safely.\nAny foreign-trained or any other graduate from a dental program not accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation may apply for a license to practice as a dentist. The board, by rule promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26, shall establish requirements to reasonably ensure that an applicant's training and education are sufficient for licensure.","path":["TITLE 36. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS","CHAPTER 36-6A. DENTISTS, DENTAL HYGIENISTS AND DENTAL AUXILIARIES"],"source_url":"https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/36-6A-44","current_through":"2026-08-31","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-03T15:18:57Z","sha256":"7f636fb48f2b03c772f7e471561d1a3d6d69f1cb241bee3757d17e1be52f2037","source_id":"us-sd","stale":true,"prev":"us-sd/sdcl-36-6a-43","next":"us-sd/sdcl-36-6a-44.1"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}