How to Obtain a Dental License in Texas

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The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) is the regulatory authority responsible for licensing and overseeing dentists practicing in the state. Texas maintains a well-structured licensing system with multiple pathways to accommodate new graduates, experienced clinicians relocating from other states, internationally trained dentists, and retired military dental professionals. Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and maintaining your license in Texas.

General Requirements

All applicants must meet the following baseline requirements before a dental license can be issued, regardless of which pathway applies to them:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be of good moral character
  • Have graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the United States

Pathways to Licensure

1. Initial Licensure by Examination

This is the primary pathway for dentists who have recently completed their dental education and are entering clinical practice for the first time.

Requirements

Applicants must have passed the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and must have successfully completed one of the following board-accepted regional clinical examinations within the past five years: the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), or the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA).

In addition, applicants must pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment and complete a set of required pre-licensure courses, including Texas Risk Management, Texas Jurisprudence, a Human Trafficking Prevention Course, and an Opioid Prescription Course. Official transcripts from your dental school must also be submitted as part of the process.

2. Licensure by Credentials

This pathway is available to dentists who hold an active license in another U.S. state and are seeking to relocate their practice to Texas.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a current, valid, and unrestricted dental license in another state and must have been actively practicing dentistry for at least three of the five years immediately preceding the application. A clean disciplinary record is required — any history of disciplinary action may affect eligibility. Applicants must also have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school, pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, complete all required Texas courses (Risk Management, Jurisprudence, Opioid Prescription, and Human Trafficking Prevention), and provide verification of licensure from every state in which they’ve held a dental license, along with proof of continuing education completion.

3. Foreign-Trained Dentist Pathway

Texas provides a defined pathway for internationally trained dentists who wish to obtain licensure in the state.

Requirements

Applicants must complete a two-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school, pass the NBDE Parts I and II or the INBDE, and pass an approved regional clinical examination. A credential evaluation through ECE or WES is required to verify the equivalency of your dental degree, and English proficiency must be demonstrated through the TOEFL examination. All other requirements for initial licensure also apply.

4. Military Limited Volunteer License

This license is designed for retired dental professionals who wish to continue contributing to their communities through charitable dental services.

Requirements

Applicants must be retired from active dental practice and must hold, or have previously held, a dental license in good standing in another U.S. state. Practice under this license is restricted exclusively to charitable clinic settings, and no compensation of any kind may be received for dental services rendered. All required Texas courses must also be completed.

Application Process

Getting Started

Begin by creating an account on the TSBDE’s online licensing system and completing the online application. You’ll need to pay the application fee ($304), submit a recent photograph, and provide proof of identity.

Required Documentation

When submitting your application, you’ll need to include the following:

  • Official transcripts sent directly from your dental school
  • National Board Examination scores
  • Regional clinical examination scores
  • Proof of completion of all required courses (Texas Risk Management, Texas Jurisprudence, Human Trafficking Prevention, and Opioid Prescription)
  • Current BLS certification
  • License verifications from any other states where you’ve held a dental license (if applicable)

Background Check

All applicants must submit fingerprints through IdentoGO and pay the associated fingerprinting fee. A full FBI and DPS background check will be conducted as part of the review process.

Pre-License Requirements

Before your application can be approved, you must pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, complete all required coursework, and submit proof of the following immunizations: Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and Varicella.

Final Steps

Once your completed application has been reviewed and approved by the Board, your license will be issued and you’ll receive your wall certificate and license number.

Maintaining Your License

Texas dental licenses must be renewed annually, with a renewal fee of $216. To remain in good standing, licensees are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every year — 12 hours in technical or scientific content and 12 hours in risk management or jurisprudence, at least 2 of which must specifically address opioid prescribing. A current BLS certification must be maintained throughout the renewal period.

Licensees are also required to report any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions to the Board and must notify the Board of any address changes within 60 days.

Additional Requirements

Dentists who hold a DEA registration must register with the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program. Those practicing through a corporation or LLC must maintain current business registration, and all licensees are required to display their license at their primary practice location.

Dentists who administer nitrous oxide must obtain nitrous oxide monitoring certification. Those who provide sedation services must also be aware that Level 1–4 sedation permits require additional training, certification, and continuing education specific to anesthesia.

Important Notes

All application fees are non-refundable. Applications remain active for one year from the date of submission, and processing times vary depending on the completeness of your application. Providing false or misleading information on your application may result in denial of licensure. Temporary licenses may be available in specific circumstances — contact the TSBDE for details.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, contact the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners directly:

Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 333 Guadalupe Street, Tower 3, Suite 800 Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 463-6400 Website: tsbde.texas.gov