Dextranase can degrade dextran polymer into low molecular weight polysaccharide. Dextranase and its hydrolysates are widely used in food, medicine and chemical industries. Studies on dextranase progresses rapidly in recent years. We reviewed literature reports combined with our study about the progress of dextranase and its potential applications in industry. In addition, we addressed hot topics and emphasized on the current research about dextranase, existing problems in domestic studies and the future research needs.