Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Florida

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

Pathways to Licensure

There are four main pathways to obtain a dental license in Florida:

1. Examination
2. Health Access Dental License
3. Licensure by Credentials
4. Licensure by Endorsement

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 the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
• Pass the American Dental Licensing Examination (ADLEX) administered by the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)
• Complete a 2-hour course on domestic violence

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Florida Board of Dentistry
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
6. Submit ADLEX scores
7. Provide proof of completion of the domestic violence course
8. Complete a fingerprint-based background check

2. Health Access Dental License

This pathway is for dentists licensed in another state who wish to practice in health access settings in Florida.

Requirements:

• Hold an active, unencumbered license in another state
• Have been engaged in the active, clinical practice of dentistry for at least 5 years
• Complete at least 20 hours of continuing education in the year prior to application
• Work exclusively in health access settings as defined by Florida law

Steps:

1. Submit an application for a health access dental license
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where licensed
4. Submit proof of active clinical practice
5. Provide documentation of continuing education
6. Pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
7. Complete a fingerprint-based background check

3. Licensure by Credentials

This pathway is for experienced dentists licensed in another state.

Requirements:

• Hold an active, unencumbered license in another state for at least 5 years
• Have been engaged in the active, clinical practice of dentistry for at least 5 years
• Have not failed the Florida clinical exam in the past 5 years
• Pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
• Complete a 2-hour course on domestic violence

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by credentials
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where licensed
4. Submit proof of active clinical practice
5. Pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
6. Provide proof of completion of the domestic violence course
7. Complete a fingerprint-based background check

4. Licensure by Endorsement

This pathway is for dentists licensed in another state who have passed a state or regional clinical examination similar to Florida’s.

Requirements:

• Hold an active, unencumbered license in another state
• Have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have passed a state or regional clinical examination that is substantially similar to ADLEX
• Pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
• Complete a 2-hour course on domestic violence

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by endorsement
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where licensed
4. Submit proof of passing a qualifying clinical examination
5. Pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
6. Provide proof of completion of the domestic violence course
7. Complete a fingerprint-based background check

Additional Information

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
• Licenses must be renewed biennially, and continuing education requirements must be met for renewal.
• Florida requires dentists to maintain current CPR certification.
• The state offers a temporary certificate for practice in areas of critical need.
• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by a board-approved credentialing service and must complete at least two years of additional dental education at a CODA-accredited dental school.

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