How To Check a Missouri Dentist's License in 5 Steps

Where do I check a dentist’s license in Missouri?

Use the state’s licensee search. The Missouri Division of Professional Registration runs it on its MO PRO license portal. The page says the search “provides data extracted from our database and constitutes a Primary Source Verification of licensure.” Primary source means the record comes from the agency that issues the license, not from a third-party directory.

This post explains the tool, as of October 2026. It does not report the license status of any person or office.

How do I use the licensee search?

Follow these five steps:

1. Go to the Licensee Search page on the MO PRO license portal. Pick the active licensee search for current licenses. A separate tab covers non-active licensees.
2. Under Profession Name, choose Dentist. The list also has Dental Hygienist and other dental categories.
3. Add a name or a license number. The page says, “You must choose at least one criterion (County, Profession, Name, or License Number).” A name search can be partial, with at least two characters. A license number must be exact.
4. Press Submit. The results table shows the licensee’s name, profession, city and state.
5. Open the record to read more. If you cannot find someone, check the spelling, try a shorter name or search by license number.

The portal also uses a reCAPTCHA check. If you are asked to verify that you are a person, follow the page’s prompt.

What does the search tell me?

It confirms that a person appears in the state’s database for a profession. The portal says the data is updated nightly. It also says, “If you are unable to locate licensee information or have questions regarding any of the information supplied, please contact the individual licensing board directly.” We do not interpret records here. If something looks wrong or unclear, ask the Dental Board.

The profession list includes permit and certificate categories as well. If you want to know what a category means, ask the board. We do not explain them here.

How do I reach the Missouri Dental Board?

The Dental Board’s page lists a Jefferson City address, a phone number of 573.751.0040 and an email of dental@pr.mo.gov. The page also has links for complaint forms, discipline and a request for verification of licensure. It carries a scam alert too. The Board says that “under no circumstances will the Board contact licensees and solicit any kind of payment over the phone.”

What if I cannot find the dentist I am looking for?

Do not assume the worst. Start with simple fixes: check the spelling, try the first few letters of the last name, and try a different county. Dentists sometimes practice under a name that differs from the office name, so search for the person, not the business. If you have the license number from a card or a bill, use it, because an exact number gives one record.

If you still cannot find the record, the portal says to contact the licensing board directly. You can also ask the dental office for the dentist’s full name and license number. Offices handle this request often, and it is a fair question for any patient to ask.

What can I do if I have a concern?

The Dental Board page links to complaint forms. We cannot advise you on a complaint, and this post is not legal advice. If you have a concern about care, you may want to speak first with the office, then contact the board if you still have questions. Keep dates, names and copies of your records.

What else should I ask a dental office?

A license is one check among several. Ask the office which dentist will treat you, what the plan is and what an estimate looks like in writing. A general dentist provides broad care. The letters after a name, like DDS or DMD, both mean a dental degree. Our guide on how to choose a dentist lists more questions. A written treatment plan helps you compare offices.

Next step

Read about our family dentistry page and our about page to see who treats patients at our office. To ask a question, call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment.