Frequently Asked Question

Licensing Questions

  1. Application Process
  2. Online Renewals
  3. Other Questions

Consumer Questions

  1. How do I file a complaint?
  2. How can I tell if a license is active and whether a licensee has been disciplined?

Application Process

Why do I need to provide my social security number?

Solicitation of your Social Security Number is solely for tax administration purposes, pursuant to 36 MRS §175 as authorized by the Tax Reform Act of 1975 (42 USC §405(C)(2)(C)(i)). Your social security number will be disclosed to the State Tax Assessor or an authorized agent for use in determining filing obligations and tax liability and shall be treated as confidential tax information pursuant to 36 MRS §191.

Is my application confidential?

No. This application is a public record for purposes of the Maine Freedom of Access Law (1 MRS §401 et seq.). Public records must be made available to any person upon request. This application for licensure is a public record and information supplied as part of the application, other than social security number and credit card information, is public information.

Why is a background check (criminal history records check) done?

Pursuant to 5 MRS §5301-5303, the State of Maine has authority to consider an applicant’s criminal history record in determining eligibility for licensure. The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires a Maine State Bureau of Identification criminal history record check as part of the application process for all applicants.

Do I need to let the Board know that I have a new address and name?

Yes. Pursuant to 32 MRS §18352, licensees and applicants are to report, in writing, any change of name or address on file with this Office within 10 days.  Licensees who need to change their address may do so online.  Licensees who are requesting a name change shall submit a written request to the Board and provide a copy of the legal document as proof of the name change.

How long does the application process take?

Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Processing times do vary depending on the volume of applications being received and the type of license for which you are applying. Check the status of your application.

If I personally deliver my application and required fee to the Office, can you review and act on my application while I wait?

No. Your application will be reviewed and acted on in the order received.

When will I receive my new license?

Once your license has been approved and activated you will receive a license by e-mail. You may practice as soon as your license has been approved and activated. Check the status of your license.

Can I pick up my license once issued?

No, your license will be e-mailed to you.

What address should I use for a courier package delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS Overnight?

All courier delivery packages should be sent to the physical location of the office. The physical address is:
Maine Board of Dental Practice
76 Northern Avenue
Gardiner, ME 04345

I do not want to overnight my packet. I’m going to send my application packet using the United States Postal Service (USPS). What address should I use?

The mailing address for the office is:
Maine Board of Dental Practice
143 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0143

Online Renewal

When am I eligible to renew my license?

All licenses may be renewed sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date. For example, a license that expires on December 31st may be renewed on or after October 31st.

Can I renew my license over the phone?

No. The office is not authorized to take any payment information over the phone. Also, renewal applications contain questions which must be answered at the time of renewal.

How do I get to the online renewal site?

Please follow the instructions.

Why can’t I get the system to work?

First verify that you have chosen the correct regulator (licensing program). Then verify that you are entering your full license number, including the 2-3 letter prefix, and that you are using the correct access code/password.

I forgot my access code/password, what can I do?

Send an email to board staff to request a new access code be issued.

I think someone may have stolen my access code. How can I get a new code?

Send an email to board staff to request a new access code be issued.

When will I receive my new license?

Once your license has been approved and activated you will receive your license by e-mail. You may practice as soon as your license has been approved and activated. Check the status of your license.

Why do I keep getting an error message saying the website cannot be found?

Please type the website address (www.maine.gov/dental) directly in the address line. Please note going through a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo or MSN Search, will return no results or will re-direct you to a different website not affiliated with the agency.

Other Questions

Can I update my contact information online?

Contact addresses, phone numbers and email addresses can be updated on-line. Name changes must be submitted in writing to the office. Follow instructions to update contact information other than a name change.

What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal?

Board Rule, Chapter 13 outlines the continuing education requirements for renewal of licensure. Maine Board of Dental Practice Rules.

How do I request Inactive status?

Board Rule, Chapter 13, Section IV (C) outlines the process for requesting Inactive status. The process is simply to write to the Board and request inactive status with a statement that you will not provide services for the remainder of the license term. The Board will review the request and will either grant the request or deny the request. Maine Board of Dental Practice Rules.

How do I return my license to Active status if it is currently Inactive?

Board Rule, Chapter 13, Section IV (C) outlines the process for returning to Active status. The process to reactive a license from Inactive to Active status is to submit a written request to the Board and the Board will determine if any additional information, training or examination is required. Maine Board of Dental Practice Rules.

How do I reinstate my license?

Please visit the Application & Forms section for more information

What are the requirements for licensure?

Please visit the License Types section for more information

What are the fees required for licensure and or renewal?

Please visit the Application & Forms section for more information

How do I get to the Maine Board of Dental Practice?

Please vist the Contact Us section for directions.

Consumer Questions

How do I file a complaint against a licensee?

Please follow the instructions.

Can I file a complaint anonymously?

We discourage the submission of anonymous complaints. Without a name or contact information, the office will not be able to contact you for more information and this could limit the investigation or even contribute to a decision to not investigate your complaint at all.

How can I order a list of licensees?

Please click on link below and follow instructions:
Data Request Form

How can I verify that a license is in good-standing/no discipline has been taken against the licensee?

Please follow the instructions to check a license.

Can I attend a board meeting?

Yes, board meetings are open to the public.

Can't find the answer to your question(s)? Email the board staff.