How to Get a Dental License in Alabama: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming a licensed dentist in Alabama is an exciting journey that requires dedication, education, and adherence to specific requirements set by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners. This guide will walk you through the various pathways to licensure in the state, ensuring you have all the information you need to pursue your dental career in the Heart of Dixie.

General Requirements for All Applicants

Regardless of the pathway you choose, all applicants for dental licensure in Alabama must meet the following basic requirements:

1. Be at least 19 years old
2. Be of good moral character
3. Graduate from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
4. Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)

Pathways to Licensure

Alabama offers several pathways to dental licensure, each catering to different situations and experiences. Let’s explore each option:

1. Examination Pathway

This is the most common route for recent dental school graduates.

Requirements:

• Pass a clinical examination accepted by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners. Currently, Alabama accepts:
• ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners) examination
• CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments) examination
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service) examination
• SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency) examination
• Complete a course in jurisprudence and ethics specific to Alabama dental law

Steps:

1. Register for and pass one of the accepted clinical examinations
2. Complete the Alabama jurisprudence examination
3. Submit a completed application to the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners
4. Provide all required documentation, including transcripts, examination scores, and proof of jurisprudence course completion
5. Pay the required application and licensing fees

2. Licensure by Credentials

This pathway is for dentists who are already licensed and have been practicing in another state.

Requirements:

• Hold a current, unrestricted license in another state
• Have been in active practice for at least 5,000 hours over the five years immediately preceding the application
• Have completed 75 hours of continuing education in the three years prior to application

Steps:

1. Submit a completed application for licensure by credentials
2. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you have held a license
3. Submit proof of active practice hours and continuing education
4. Complete the Alabama jurisprudence examination
5. Pay the required application and credentialing fees

3. Licensure by Regional Exam Equivalency

This pathway is for dentists who have passed a regional exam in another state that is accepted by Alabama.

Requirements:

• Have passed one of the accepted regional exams (ADEX, CDCA, CRDTS, SRTA) within five years of application
• Not have failed any clinical exam three or more times

Steps:

1. Submit a completed application for licensure
2. Provide proof of passing the accepted regional exam
3. Complete the Alabama jurisprudence examination
4. Submit all required documentation
5. Pay the required fees

4. Specialty License

For dentists seeking licensure in a dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association.

Requirements:

• Hold a general dental license in Alabama or meet all requirements for licensure
• Have completed a CODA-accredited specialty program
• Be board-certified or board-eligible in the specialty

Steps:

1. Submit a completed application for specialty licensure
2. Provide proof of specialty education and board certification/eligibility
3. Submit all required documentation
4. Pay the required specialty license fees

Additional Considerations

• Background Check: All applicants must undergo a criminal background check.
• CPR Certification: Maintain current certification in CPR.
• Continuing Education: Once licensed, dentists must complete 20 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their license.

Renewal and Maintenance

• Alabama dental licenses must be renewed annually by October 1st.
• Renewal requires completion of the required continuing education hours and payment of renewal fees.

Conclusion

Obtaining a dental license in Alabama involves careful planning and adherence to the state’s specific requirements. Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced dentist from another state, or a specialist, there’s a pathway to licensure that fits your situation. Remember to stay current with the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners’ requirements, as they may update their policies periodically.

For the most up-to-date information and specific details on the application process, always refer to the official Alabama Board of Dental Examiners website or contact them directly. Good luck on your journey to becoming a licensed dentist in Alabama!