How to Obtain a Dental License in Tennessee

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Tennessee, as regulated by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 18 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 CPR certification
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the U.S.

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional 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 the following clinical examinations:
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Clinical examination must have been completed within the last year
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Complete Tennessee jurisprudence examination

2. Criteria (Reciprocity) Pathway

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced for at least 5 of the last 7 years
• Provide verification of licensure from all states where currently or previously licensed
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• No disciplinary action against any license
• Pass Tennessee jurisprudence examination
• Provide proof of malpractice history

3. International Dentist Pathway

Requirements:

• Graduate from a non-accredited dental program
• Complete a minimum 2-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school
• Pass NBDE Parts I and II or INBDE
• Pass approved clinical examination
• Provide ECE or WES credential evaluation
• Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL if applicable)

4. Military Personnel and Spouse Pathway

Requirements:

• Hold current license from another state
• Provide proof of military status or spouse relationship
• Submit verification of current license
• Pass Tennessee jurisprudence examination

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry
• Pay application fee ($300)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide proof of identity and legal presence

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints electronically through IdentoGO
• Pay background check fee
• Results must be received directly from TBI/FBI

1. Documentation Submission

• Official transcripts sent directly from dental school
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)
• Proof of CPR certification
• Letters of recommendation (2)

1. Jurisprudence Examination

• Complete online Tennessee jurisprudence examination
• Minimum passing score of 75%
• Covers Tennessee dental laws and rules

1. Board Review and License Issuance

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

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• 2 hours must be about controlled substance prescribing
• 2 hours must be about chemical dependency
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license every 2 years
• Pay biennial renewal fee ($200)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Information

• Licenses expire on December 31st of the second year
• Must notify Board of address changes within 30 days
• Practice cannot begin until license is issued
• Temporary licenses may be available in specific circumstances

Contact Information

Tennessee Board of Dentistry
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 532-3202
Email: Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov
Website: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board.html

Important Notes

• Processing times vary based on application completeness and volume
• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 12 months
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Requirements subject to change; verify current requirements with Board

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.