Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Georgia

This guide outlines the pathways and requirements for obtaining a dental license in the state of Georgia.

Pathways to Licensure

There are three main pathways to obtain a dental license in Georgia:

1. Examination
2. Credentials (Licensure by Credentials)
3. Faculty Licensure

1. Examination Pathway

This is the most common path for new graduates and those who have not been licensed in another state.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Pass a regional clinical examination accepted by the Georgia Board of Dentistry (CRDTS, SRTA, ADEX, or CDCA)
• Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Georgia Board of Dentistry
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Submit regional clinical examination scores
6. Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Examination
7. Complete a background check

2. Credentials Pathway (Licensure by Credentials)

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

Requirements:

• Hold a current, unrestricted license in another state
• Have been in active clinical practice for at least 5 of the last 7 years immediately preceding application
• Have no disciplinary action against your license in the past 10 years
• Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by credentials
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license
4. Submit proof of active clinical practice
5. Provide a letter of good standing from each state where licensed
6. Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Examination
7. Complete a background check

3. Faculty Licensure Pathway

This pathway is for dentists who will be employed as faculty members at accredited dental education programs in Georgia.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Hold a DMD or DDS degree
• Be employed as a faculty member at a CODA-accredited dental school in Georgia
• Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application for faculty licensure
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit proof of employment as faculty at a CODA-accredited dental school in Georgia
5. Pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Examination
6. Complete a background check

Additional Information

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
• The Georgia Jurisprudence Examination covers Georgia dental laws and rules.
• Licenses must be renewed biennially, and continuing education requirements must be met for renewal.
• Georgia requires dentists to maintain current CPR certification.
• The state offers a volunteer license for retired dentists who wish to provide volunteer services.
• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by a board-approved credentialing service and must complete additional requirements, including passing an English proficiency exam if educated in a non-English speaking country.
• Georgia offers temporary licenses for specific situations, such as dental residents or dentists providing care at special events.

For the most up-to-date information and specific details, please visit the Georgia Board of Dentistry website or contact them directly.