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List of Testing Sites
Complete list of community college testing sites that regularly administer the board examinations in jurisprudence, infection control, and dental radiography.
To schedule a dental, dental hygiene, or dental assistant examination, please contact the testing site of your choice at least 10 days prior to the exam date. A proctor fee will be paid directly to the community college testing site.
ANKENY:
Des Moines Area Community College
Testing Center Bldg. 6, Room 23
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023-8995
Joanne Purtill
Email: jmpurtill@dmacc.edu or ankenytestingcenter@dmacc.edu
Phone: 515.964.6595
BETTENDORF:
Eastern Iowa Community College
Scott Community College Testing Center
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Email: scctestcenter@eicc.edu
Phone: 563.441.4088
BURLINGTON:
Southeastern Community College
1500 West Agency Road
West Burlington, IA 52655
Email: successcenter@scciowa.edu
Phone: 319.208.5155
CALMAR:
Northeast Iowa Community College
Wilder Business Center
Highway 150 South, Box 400
Calmar, IA 52132
Contact: Kathy Donovan
Email: donovanka@nicc.edu
Phone: 844.642.2338 ext. 1495
CARROLL:
DMACC Carroll Campus
Testing Center, 906 N Grant Road #157
Carroll, IA 51401
Contact: Holly Hoffman
Email: carrolltestingcenter@dmacc.edu or hlhoffman3@dmacc.edu
Phone: 712.792.1755
CEDAR RAPIDS:
Kirkwood Community College
2055 Cedar Hall on the Kirkwood Campus
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W.
P.O. Box 2068
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Email: testcenter@kirkwood.edu
Phone: 800.332.2055
CENTERVILLE:
Indian Hills Community College
Success Center, 721 N. First St.
Centerville, IA 52544
Contact: Tom Davis
Email: tommy.davis@indianhills.edu
Phone: 800.670.3641 ext. 2207 or 641.856.2143 ext. 2214
CLINTON:
Clinton Community College
Testing Center, 1000 Lincoln Blvd
Clinton, IA 52732
Email: ccctestcenter@eicc.edu
Phone: 563.244.7090
CORALVILLE:
Kirkwood Regional Test Center at Univ. Iowa
2301 Oakdale Blvd. Rm. 126
Coralville, IA 52241
Email: test.center.ic@kirkwood.edu
Phone: 319.887.3642
COUNCIL BLUFFS:
Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Contact: Cara Trede
Email: testing@iwcc.edu
Phone: 712.325.3277 or 800.432.5852
Fax: 712.388.6803
CRESTON:
Southwestern Community College
1501 West Townline St.
Creston, IA 50801
Contact: Lisa Shawler
Email: shawler@swcciowa.edu
Contact: Casie Klejch (Director)
Email: klejch@swcciowa.edu
Phone: 800.247.4023 ext. 330 or 641.782.1320
Fax: 641.782.1320
DES MOINES
DMACC Urban Campus
1100 7th St, Bldg 1, Room 117
Des Moines, IA 50314
Contact: Roberta Morgan
Email: rmmorgan@dmacc.edu
Phone: 515.697.7809
Schedule online at uctestingcenter@dmacc.edu
DES MOINES
DMACC Southridge Center
1111 E Army Post RD, Suite 2004, Room 3A
Des Moines, IA 50315
Contact: Jane Rogers
Email: jerogers@dmacc.edu or southridgetestingcenter@dmacc.edu
Phone: 515.287.8720
DUBUQUE/PEOSTA
Northeast Iowa Community College
700 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Contact: Russell Bahl
Email: bahlr25104@nicc.edu
Phone: 844.642.2338 ext. 3251
EMMETSBURG
Iowa Lakes Community College
Allied Health, 3200 College Drive
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Contact: Oscar DeLong, (Director of Library Services)
Email: odelong@iowalakes.edu
Phone: 800.242.5108 ext. 5227 or 712.362.7936
Fax: 712-852-2152
FORT DODGE
Iowa Central Community College
1500 W Agency Road
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Contact: Amy Moffitt
Email: moffitt_a@iowacentral.edu
Phone: 515.574.1044
KEOKUK
Southeastern Community College
335 Messenger Rd.
Keokuk, IA 52632
Email: kktesting@scciowa.edu
Phone: 319.313.1943
MARSHALLTOWN
Iowa Valley Community College
Iowa Valley Education & Training Center
206 E Church St.
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Contact: Jon Nunez
Email: Jon.Nunez@iavalley.edu
Phone: 641.754.1348
Fax: 641-754-1349
MASON CITY
North Iowa Area Community College
Student Learning Center, 500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
Contact: Leah Wipf
Email: testing.center@niacc.edu
Phone: 888.466.4222 ext. 4237 or 641.422.4237
MUSCATINE
Muscatine Community College
152 Colorado St
Muscatine, IA 52761
Email: mmctestcenter@eicc.edu
Contact: Bethany Owens
Email: blowens@eicc.edu
Phone: 563.288.6056
(An Eastern Iowa Community College - EICC)
OTTUMWA
Indian Hills Community College
Attn: Testing Center
525 Grandview Ave.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Contact: Chuck Allen
Email: callen@indianhills.edu
Phone: 641.683.5142 or 641.683.5233
SHELDON
Northwest Iowa Community College
603 West Park St.
Sheldon, IA 51201
Contact: Mariah Oliver (Director)
Email: moliver@nwicc.edu
Contact: Keri Siebrecht
Email: ksiebrecht@nwicc.edu
Phone: 800.352.4907 or 712.324.5061 ext. 112
SIOUX CITY
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Testing Center,
4647 Stone Ave., Building A
Sioux City, IA 51106
Email: testcenter@witcc.edu
Phone: 800.352.4649 or 712.274.6443
WATERLOO
Hawkeye Community College
Student Services, Hawkeye Center, 2nd Floor,
1501 E. Orange Rd., P.O. Box 8015
Waterloo, IA 50701
Contact: Marcy Gosse
Email: marcy.gosse@hawkeyecollege.edu
Phone: 800.670.4769 or 319.296.4014
Definitions Related to the Practice of Dentistry
Practice of dentistry as defined in Iowa Code section 153, and other definitions that apply to dental practice.
“Practice of dentistry” as defined in Iowa Code section 153.13, includes persons who publicly claim to be dentists, dental surgeons, or skilled in the science of dentistry and are deemed to be practicing dentistry. Performance of, or assistance with, any of the following also constitutes the practice of dentistry: examination, diagnosis, treatment, or attempted correction of any disease, condition, disorder, lesion, injury, deformity, or defect of the oral cavity and maxillofacial area, or any phase of any operation incident to tooth whitening, including the instruction or application of tooth whitening materials or procedures. “Tooth whitening” is any process to whiten or lighten the appearance of human teeth by the application of chemicals, whether or not in conjunction with a light source.
“Conscious sedation” means moderate sedation.
“Deep sedation” means drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.
“General anesthesia” means a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.
“Minimal sedation” means a minimally depressed level of consciousness produced by a pharmacological method that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. A patient whose only response reflex is withdrawal from repeated painful stimuli is not considered to be in a state of minimal sedation.
“Moderate sedation” means a drug-induced depression of consciousness, either by enteral or parenteral means, during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. A patient whose only response reflex is withdrawal from a painful stimulus is not considered to be in a state of moderate sedation.
“Nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia” refers to the administration by inhalation of a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen producing an altered level of consciousness that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal command.
Sedation Permit Required
Dentists licensed in this state shall not administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia in the practice of dentistry unless they have obtained the appropriate sedation permit from the board.
Dentists licensed in this state shall not administer nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia in the practice of dentistry until they have complied with the provisions of the IAC 481—Chapter 579.
Note: A sedation permit is not required for the administration of minimal sedation (anxiolysis).
Licensure and Examination Requirements
Overview of licensing & examination requirements in Iowa for a dental or dental hygiene license.
A permanent dental or dental hygiene license authorizes the holder to practice in the state of Iowa. Requirements for obtaining an Iowa license are found in Iowa Administrative Code 481—572.
Note: Students enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene school are exempt from the requirements for licensure for all activities directly related to the curriculum and activities of the accredited program.
Dentists and dental hygienists enrolled in a residency program in Iowa must hold an active license, or apply for and be issued a resident license before practicing clinically.
Graduates of a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene school and who have successfully completed a board-approved clinical examination within the previous five (5) years may apply for a dental or dental hygiene license in Iowa on the basis of examination.
Note: Applicants who have been licensed for one year or longer in another state, district or territory must apply by credentials or verification.
Graduates of a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene school and who have a current, valid license in another state that was issued on the basis of clinical examination OR has at least three years of current, active practice in that state may be eligible may apply for license by credentials.
Note: Applicants who have been licensed for one year or longer in another state, district or territory must apply by credentials or verification.
A dentist or dental hygienist who holds an active license in another state may be eligible for licensure on the basis of verification. Refer to Iowa Administrative Code 481—572 for specific requirements.
Applicants for a permanent dental or dental hygiene license issued on the basis of examination must have successfully completed one of the following clinical examinations:
Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS)
Western Regional Examining Board, Inc. (WREB)
States Resources for Testing & Assessments (SRTA)
Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CITA)
American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) as administered by CDCA, WREB, SRTA or CITA.
*Beginning in May 2021, the Iowa Dental Board accepts the patient-based and manikin-based clinical examinations.
Information about taking a clinical exam, including the exam schedule and testing procedures, should be obtained directly from the testing agencies.
Remediation Requirements
Please note that applicants who fail the clinical licensing examination two or more times must complete additional formal remedial education prior to each subsequent exam attempt. Evidence of remedial education must be submitted upon request. See Iowa Administrative Code 481—572 for more information.
Graduates of Foreign Dental Schools
If a graduate of a foreign dental school has not received a D.D.S. or D.M.D. from a CODA-accredited dental school and does not qualify for licensure by verification, there are a few options available to foreign graduates seeking licensure as a dentist in Iowa. Graduates of a foreign dental school may qualify for licensure if they meet one of the following requirements:
- Successful completion of an undergraduate supplemental dental education program of at least two academic years at an accredited dental school and receipt of a dental diploma, degree or certificate substantially equivalent to a DDS or DMD degree;
- Successful completion of a postgraduate general practice residency program of at least one academic year at an accredited dental college; or
- Results of a formal evaluation of the applicant’s foreign dental education by a board-approved professional credentialing organization. The results of the evaluation must indicate that the nonaccredited dental education completed was substantially equivalent to that of an accredited dental school.
Applicants who meet one of the requirements list above must meet the requirements for licensure established in rules 481—572.3 and 481—572.4.
For more information about educational programs available to foreign dental graduates, visit the website of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Back to topRule Waivers
A graduate of a foreign dental school who does not meet the requirements specified above may be eligible to apply for a waiver of these rules. In general, the Board has approved waiver requests in cases where the applicant has completed at least one year of a general practice residency program at an accredited dental school. You mail file a petition for rule waiver petition here.
Back to topLaws & Rules
List items for Laws & Rules for Dentistry - April 2025
Below are the statutes and administrative rules that pertain directly to the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting in Iowa.
Laws are contained in the Iowa Code. They are enacted by the Iowa Legislature and provide statutory authority to the professional licensure boards.
New rules became effective April 9, 2025.
Iowa Administrative Code 481
- Ch. 570 — Dental Board Administration
- Ch. 571 — Dental Board Fees
- Ch. 572 — Dental Licensure, Registration, Renewal, Reactivation and Reinstatement
- Ch. 573 — Dental Continuing Education
- Ch. 574 — General Requirements and Standards of Practice
- Ch. 575 — Dental Assistants, Dental Radiography Qualifications, and Dental Laboratory Technicians
- Ch. 576 — Dental Hygienists
- Ch. 577 — Expanded Functions
- Ch. 578 — Prescribing, Administering, and Dispensing Drugs
- Ch. 579 — Sedation and Nitrous Oxide
- Ch. 580 — Dental Board Complaints and Investigations
- Ch. 581 — Dental Board Discipline
Iowa Code & Administrative Rules for Licensing Boards
The following Iowa Code chapters and administrative rules apply to licensing boards within the department.
The following laws apply to professional licensing boards.
The following chapters from Iowa Administrative Code 481 apply to professional licensing boards within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, Inspections, and Licensing.
- Ch. 3 — Declaratory Orders
- Ch. 4 — Agency Procedures for Rulemaking
- Ch. 5 — Public Records and Fair Information Practices
- Ch. 6 — Uniform Waiver Rules
- Ch. 7 — Military Service, Veteran Reciprocity, and Spouses of Active-Duty Service Members
- Ch. 500 — Model Rules for Board Administrative Processes
- Ch. 501 — Model Rules for Licensure by Verification or Work Experience
- Ch. 502 — Model Rules for Use of Criminal Convictions in Eligibility Determinations and Initial Licensing Decisions
- Ch. 503 — Model Rules for Complaints and Investigations
- Ch. 506 — Model Rules for Contested Cases Before Licensing Boards and Information Settlements
- Ch. 507 — Professional Licensing Division Fees
Rulemaking notices, along with adopted rule changes, are published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.
The preamble for each notice includes a summary of the proposed rule changes. The notice includes information about how to submit public comment when applicable. All comments are forwarded to the board for review prior to making a final decision on the outcome of rule change proposals.
Application & Renewal Fees
List items for Dental Board Application & Renewal Fees
DDS/DMD: Dental License on the Basis of Exam:* $200
DDS/DMD: Dental License on the Basis of Credentials or Verification: $550
Fee for Background Check Packet: $46
DDS/DMD: Faculty Permit: $200
MS: Moderate Sedation Permit: $500
GA: General Anesthesia Permit: $500
DDS/DMD: Resident License: $120
Resident License Extension: $40
*Applicants who were issued and held a license in another state for more than 12 months must apply on the basis of credentials or verification.
RDH: Dental Hygiene License on the Basis of Exam:* $100
RDH: Dental Hygiene License Application on the Basis of Credentials or Verification: $200
Fee for Background Check Packet: $46
LA: Local Anesthesia Permit Application: $70
RDH: Faculty Permit: $200
RDH: Resident License: $120
Resident License Extension Application: $40
*Applicants who were issued and held a license in another state for more than 12 months must apply on the basis of credentials or verification.
RDA: Dental Assistant Registration (without Radiography Qualification): $40
QDA: Dental Assistant Registration & Radiography Qualification (combined): $60
QDA or XDA: Dental Radiography Qualification: $40
Effective Jan. 1, 2021, pursuant to HF 2627, individuals whose household adjusted gross income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level may request a waiver of application fees related to an initial application for license or registration. Please note: The fee waiver does not extend to applications for renewal, reinstatement or reactivation.
To determine eligibility, you must first identify the number of individuals in your household. Once this is determined, reference the Federal Poverty Level and identify the income that matches the number of individuals in your household. If your household adjusted gross income, as reported on your most recent federal tax return, is less than the identified value, you are eligible for the one-time fee waiver.
DOCUMENTATION FOR QUALIFICATION OF WAIVER
If you wish to apply for a fee waiver you must attest that your household adjusted gross income does not exceed 200% and agree to submit documentation of one of the following to verify your household income:
- If you are married and filed separately, you will need to submit the Federal Tax Return for both your spouse and yourself.
- If you were claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, you will need to submit the Federal Tax Return for the tax filer who claimed you as a dependent.
Questions can be directed to IDB@iowa.gov.
DDS/DMD: Dental License: $315
DDS/DMD: Faculty Permit: $315
MS: Moderate Sedation Permit: $125
GA: General Anesthesia Permit: $125
Late Fee: September of Renewal Year: $100
Late Fee: October of Renewal Year: $150
RDH: Dental Hygiene License: $150
RDH: Faculty Permit: $315
LA: Local Anesthesia Permit: $25
Late Fee: September of Renewal Year: $100
Late Fee: October of Renewal Year: $150
RDA: Dental Assistant Registration (without Radiography Qualification): $75
QDA: Dental Assistant Registration & Radiography Qualification (combined): $115
QDA or XDA: Dental Radiography Qualification: $40
Late Fee: September of Renewal Year: $20
Late Fee: October of Renewal Year: $40
Reinstatement applications require payment of a reinstatement application fee and one past-due renewal fee. Additionally, dentists and dental hygienists must submit a background check packet for which the fee is $46.
DDS/DMD: Dental License: $150 + $315 + $46 = $511
RDH: Dental Hygiene License: $100 + $150 + $46 = 316
RDA: Dental Assistant Registration (without Radiography Qualification): $50 + $75 = $125
QDA: Dental Assistant Registration & Radiography Qualification (combined): $50 + $115 = $165
XDA: Dental Radiography Qualification: $40 + $40 = $80
VOLUNTEER
If you will be volunteering dental services at a non-profit and you do not hold an active Iowa dental or dental hygiene license, you may apply for a temporary permit on the basis to volunteer. There is no fee for this application; though a completed application must be submitted via the Iowa Dental Board online services website.
EDUCATIONAL or URGENT NEED
Temporary permits on the basis of educational purpose or urgent need may be issued for up to three months at a predetermined location of practice. Applicants are limited to a maximum of three temporary permits in total. Thereafter, applicants would be required to apply for a permanent dental or dental hygiene license.
Note: Temporary permits on the basis of educational purpose or urgent need are not intended for individuals who will make application for a permanent dental license.
Fee for Educational Purpose or Urgent Need: $100
Iowa Dental Board
The Iowa Dental Board licenses and regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene & dental assisting in Iowa.