Ladd Dental Group

 House Bill 1254 (HB 1254), which was signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2026 , makes several important updates to Indiana dental licensing laws. The most significant change is that it creates a pathway for qualified foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without first completing a U.S. dental hygiene program, provided they meet rigorous licensing requirements established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry . The law also expands options for approved nitrous oxide certification programs for dental hygienists and dental assistants. Why this is good news for Indiana dental patients and families 1. Improves access to preventive dental care Indiana, like many states, has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists. When practices cannot fully staff hygiene schedules, patients often wait longer for routine cleanings, periodontal therapy, and preventive care. By allowing qualified foreign-trained dentists to serve as hygienists, more a...

Indiana recently passed House Bill 1254 , which creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without having to complete a U.S. dental hygiene degree. The law takes effect July 1, 2026 and is designed to help address the ongoing shortage of dental hygienists across the state. Under the new law , internationally trained dentists are not automatically licensed . They must still: Have their dental education evaluated and approved. Demonstrate English proficiency when required. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Pass a regional clinical licensing examination. Meet all Indiana licensing and background check requirements established by the State Board of Dentistry. This creates a much more practical career pathway for highly educated dental professionals who have already completed dental school abroad but previously had few options other than repeating years of education in the United States. ...

 At LADD Dental Group , our mission has always been simple: Family Serving Families. That's why we're excited about a new Indiana law that will help improve access to dental care for communities across the state of Indiana. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana has created a new pathway for internationally trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists. Rather than requiring these highly educated professionals to complete an entirely new dental hygiene degree , Indiana now recognizes their previous dental education while still requiring them to meet rigorous licensing standards, including credential evaluation, national board examinations, clinical testing, and all state licensing requirements. Why does this matter? Like many states across the country, Indiana has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists over the past several years. Preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral health, yet staffing shortages have sometimes made it difficult for patients to sched...