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Dentist Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dentist in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $206,650 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 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 Wisconsin

With a median salary of 206,650, Dentists in Wisconsin earn 20% above the national median of $172,790. Wisconsin ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$206,650

Hourly estimate

$99.35
20% above national median

Difference: +$33,860

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$124,450
  • P2525th percentile$161,580
  • P50Median$206,650
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $206,650
National: $172,790

Total employment: 2,160 | Annual openings: N/A

Dentist Salary Ranking

#7 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
Wisconsin$206,650Specific course 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
Illinois$180,420Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Michigan$177,080Degree 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
Wisconsin50LowState-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.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935

Phone: 6082662112

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$90,380Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$78,890Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$63,340Specific course required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,000Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dentist in Wisconsin?

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 exams are required for Dentists in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dentists.

What education do you need to become a Dentist in Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Dentist licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical Dentist salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Dentists in Wisconsin is 206,650.

How does the Dentist salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?

Dentists in Wisconsin earn 20% above the national median of $172,790, with a state median of 206,650.

How many Dentists work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 2,160 Dentists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dentist license to Wisconsin from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Dentists in Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.