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Dentist Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dentist in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dentist in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota State Board of Dentistry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $162,860 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of 162,860, Dentists in South Dakota earn 6% below the national median of $172,790. South Dakota ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$162,860

Hourly estimate

$78.30
6% below national median

Difference: -$9,930

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$96,800
  • P2525th percentile$104,010
  • P50Median$162,860
  • P7575th percentile$174,240
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $162,860
National: $172,790

Total employment: 270 | Annual openings: N/A

Dentist Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Dentist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Vermont230,990
#2Alaska230,830
#3Delaware224,690
#4Minnesota209,820
#5Maine208,860

Nearby States Comparison

Dentist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$162,860Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$201,280Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$209,820Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$174,990Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Nebraska$168,110Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$126,860Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Montana$159,480Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

South Dakota State Board of Dentistry

PO Box 1079, 1351 North Harrison Avenue, Pierre, SD, 57501-1079

Phone: 6052241282

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$102,310Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$79,200Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$57,540Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$47,680Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dentist in South Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Dentist salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Dentists in South Dakota is 162,860.

How does the Dentist salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Dentists in South Dakota earn 6% below the national median of $172,790, with a state median of 162,860.

How many Dentists work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 270 Dentists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dentist license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Dentists in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at https://www.sdboardofdentistry.org/.