About the Dental Board

Board Overview

The Iowa Dental Board is the state agency charged with the overall responsibility for regulating the professions of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting in the state of Iowa.

The board consists of members appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Iowa Senate, to serve three-year terms. 

For information about current board members, or if you would like to serve on the board, please visit the governor's Boards and Commissions website.

Board Responsibilities

The board's mission is to ensure that all Iowans receive professional, competent, and safe dental health care of the highest quality. In pursuit of this mission, the Iowa Dental Board performs a number of functions.  The board issues licenses registrations, permits, and qualifications to qualified practitioners.  The board establishes requirements for examination for the purposes of licensing and registration.  The board also set standards for continuing education and renewal.

​The Iowa Dental Board also adopts rules and establishes regulations for the standard of care pursuant to its authority under Iowa Code.  It enforces Iowa law, which regulate the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting.  The board investigates complaints concerning violations of the dental practice act, and board rules.  In the course of investigation into potential violations of law, the board may also conduct disciplinary hearings, and actively monitors the compliance of licensees with orders issued by the board as a result of disciplinary action.

Board & Committee Meetings

Meeting dates for the Dental Board are subject to change. Agendas for meetings and hearings will be posted to the DIAL Public Meeting Calendar approximately one week before the scheduled date. However, agendas may be updated and posted no later than 24 hours before the meeting’s start time.

• Dental Board
  • Agendas and Minutes
  • Board Orders
• Anesthesia Credentials Committee - Professional Licensing
  • Agendas and Minutes
• Dental Hygiene Committee - Professional Licensing
  • Agendas and Minutes

Laws & Rules for Dentistry

Board Committees

Dental Hygiene Committee

The Dental Hygiene Committee is established under Iowa Code section 153.33A. The committee has the authority to adopt recommendations regarding the practice, discipline, education, examination, and licensure of dental hygienists, and carry out duties as assigned by the board.

Anesthesia Credentials Committee

The Anesthesia Credentials Committee reviews applications for moderate sedation and general anesthesia, and makes recommendations to the board on these matters.

Continuing Education Advisory Committee

The Continuing Education Advisory Committee reviews applications for individual course review and sponsor status. 

Licensure Registration Committee

The Licensure Registration Committee recommends to the board appropriate action on completed applications for licensure.