How to Obtain a Dental License in Texas

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Texas, as regulated by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be of good moral character
• Must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the U.S.

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Initial Licensure by Examination

Requirements:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete one of these regional clinical examinations:
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Clinical examination must have been completed within the last 5 years
• Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment
• Complete Human Trafficking Prevention Course
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Complete required courses:
• Texas Risk Management
• Texas Jurisprudence
• Opioid Prescription Course

2. Licensure by Credentials

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding application
• No history of disciplinary action
• Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Complete required Texas courses (Risk Management, Jurisprudence, Opioid)
• Provide verification of licensure from all states
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• Pass Texas Jurisprudence Assessment
• Complete Human Trafficking Prevention Course

3. Foreign-Trained Dentist Pathway

Requirements:

• Complete 2-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school
• Pass NBDE Parts I and II or INBDE
• Pass approved regional clinical examination
• Provide ECE or WES credential evaluation
• Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL)
• Meet all other requirements for initial licensure

4. Military Limited Volunteer License

Requirements:

• Be retired from active practice
• Hold or have held license in good standing in another state
• Practice only at charitable clinics
• Complete required Texas courses
• No compensation for dental services

Application Process

1. Initial Application Steps

• Create account on TSBDE online licensing system
• Complete online application
• Pay application fee ($304)
• Submit recent photograph
• Provide proof of identity

1. Required Documentation

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• Proof of completion of required courses:
  • Texas Risk Management
  • Texas Jurisprudence
  • Human Trafficking Prevention
  • Opioid Prescription Course
• BLS certification
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints through IdentoGO
• Pay fingerprinting fee
• Complete FBI/DPS background check

1. Pre-License Requirements

• Pass Texas Jurisprudence Assessment
• Complete all required courses
• Submit proof of required immunizations:
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR
  • Tdap
  • Varicella

1. Final Steps

• Board reviews completed application
• License issued upon approval
• Receive wall certificate and license number

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 24 hours of continuing education every year
• 12 technical or scientific
• 12 risk management or jurisprudence
• 2 hours must relate to opioid prescribing
• Maintain current BLS certification
• Renew license annually
• Pay annual renewal fee ($216)
• Comply with all continuing education requirements
• Report any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions

Additional Requirements

• Dentists with DEA registration must register with Texas Prescription Monitoring Program
• Must maintain current business registration if practicing as corporation or LLC
• Must display license in primary practice location
• Must notify Board of address changes within 60 days

Special Considerations

• Nitrous Oxide monitoring certification required for administration
• Level 1-4 sedation permits require additional training and certification
• Anesthesia permit holders have additional CE requirements

Contact Information

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

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for one year
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary based on application completeness
• Temporary licenses may be available in specific circumstances
• Requirements subject to change

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.