Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Arkansas

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

Pathways to Licensure

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

1. Examination
2. Credentials (License by Credentials)
3. Specialty License

1. Examination Pathway

This is the most common path for new graduates.

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 clinical examination accepted by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (CDCA-WREB-ADEX, CRDTS, or SRTA)
• Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam

Steps:

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

2. Credentials Pathway (License 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 practice for at least 5,000 hours during the five years immediately preceding application
• Have no disciplinary actions against your license
• Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam

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 practice hours
5. Provide a letter of good standing from the licensing board of each state where you’ve practiced
6. Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam
7. Complete a background check

3. Specialty License Pathway

Arkansas offers specialty licenses in recognized dental specialties.

Requirements:

• Hold a general dentistry license in good standing in Arkansas or another state
• Have completed a CODA-accredited postgraduate specialty program
• Be board certified or board eligible in the specialty
• Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam

Steps:

1. Submit an application for a specialty license
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of your general dentistry license
4. Submit proof of completion of a specialty program
5. Provide evidence of board certification or eligibility
6. Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam
7. Complete a background check

Additional Information

• All applicants must be at least 21 years old and of good moral character.
• The Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam covers Arkansas dental laws and rules.
• Licenses must be renewed annually, and continuing education requirements must be met for renewal.
• Arkansas offers a volunteer dental license for dentists who wish to provide services on a volunteer basis to underserved populations.
• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by an approved credentialing agency and may need to complete additional requirements, including passing an English proficiency exam and completing a two-year postgraduate program at a CODA-accredited dental school.
• Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with some states, which may simplify the licensure process for dentists from those states.

For the most up-to-date information and specific details, please visit the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners website or contact them directly.