How to Obtain a Dental License in Tennessee
Tennessee offers four pathways to dental licensure, accommodating new graduates, experienced out-of-state clinicians, internationally trained dentists, and military personnel and their spouses. A few Tennessee-specific details are worth noting before you begin: clinical examination scores must have been earned within the past year to remain valid — one of the tighter windows in the country — and all applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the United States as part of their application. Two letters of recommendation are also required across pathways, so begin identifying your references early. Here’s a full breakdown of what each pathway requires.
General Requirements
All applicants, regardless of pathway, must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be of good moral character
- Hold a degree from a CODA-accredited dental school
- Pass a criminal background check
- Hold a current CPR certification
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the United States
The Four Pathways
1. Traditional Licensure by Examination
The standard route for new dental graduates, Tennessee accepts five regional clinical examinations — a broad list that gives candidates meaningful flexibility in which board they sit for. The critical distinction here is the recency requirement: your clinical examination must have been completed within the past year. If your scores are older than that, they will not be accepted.
Requirements:
- Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
- Passing score on one of the following clinical examinations accepted by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry — completed within the past year: SRTA, CDCA, CRDTS, WREB, or CITA
- Passing score on the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination (minimum passing score of 75%)
- Official transcripts from your dental school
Steps to licensure: Complete the online application through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry and pay the required application fee. Submit a recent passport-style photograph and proof of identity and legal presence. Arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from your dental school, and submit your NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, proof of current CPR certification, and two letters of recommendation. Submit fingerprints electronically through IdentoGO for the background check — results must be received directly from the TBI/FBI. Pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination online, and upon Board approval, your license number and wall certificate will be issued.
2. Criteria (Reciprocity) Pathway
Tennessee’s reciprocity pathway is designed for experienced dentists relocating from another state. In addition to the standard practice history requirement, applicants must provide documentation of their malpractice history and have a clean disciplinary record across all licenses ever held — no exceptions.
Requirements:
- A current, valid, and unrestricted dental license in good standing in another U.S. state
- Active dental practice for at least five of the seven years immediately preceding your application
- Verification of licensure from all states where you currently hold or have previously held a license
- Proof of continuing education completion
- No disciplinary actions against any license held
- Documentation of malpractice history
- Passing score on the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination
Steps to licensure: Complete the online application and pay the required fee. Submit a recent photograph and proof of identity and legal presence. Provide licensure verifications from all relevant states, proof of your practice history, CE certificates, malpractice history documentation, and two letters of recommendation. Complete the fingerprint background check through IdentoGO and pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination.
3. International Dentist Pathway
Tennessee’s international dentist pathway provides a formal route to licensure for dentists who completed their training outside the United States. It requires completion of a substantive bridging program at a U.S. dental school before becoming eligible to apply, along with a credential evaluation and — where applicable — demonstrated English proficiency.
Requirements:
- Graduation from a non-CODA-accredited dental program outside the United States
- Completion of a minimum two-year program at a CODA-accredited dental school in the United States
- Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the INBDE
- Passing score on a Board-approved clinical examination
- A credential evaluation from ECE or WES
- Demonstrated English proficiency, including TOEFL scores if applicable
Steps to licensure: Complete the online application and pay the required fee. Submit transcripts from both your foreign dental school and your U.S. dental program, along with your credential evaluation, NBDE/INBDE scores, clinical examination results, and proof of English proficiency where required. Provide two letters of recommendation, proof of CPR certification, and documentation of identity and legal presence. Complete the fingerprint background check and pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination.
4. Military Personnel and Spouse Pathway
Tennessee offers a streamlined pathway for active duty military members and their spouses, recognizing the unique licensing challenges that come with frequent relocation. If you hold a current, valid license from another state and can document your military connection, this pathway provides an accessible route to Tennessee licensure.
Requirements:
- A current dental license in good standing from another U.S. state
- Proof of active duty military status or spousal relationship to an active duty service member
- Verification of your current out-of-state license
- Passing score on the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination
Steps to licensure: Complete the online application and pay the required fee. Submit documentation of your current licensure and proof of military status or spousal relationship. Pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination and complete the standard background check process.
Application Process Notes
Several procedural details apply across all pathways and are worth factoring into your planning:
- Applications remain active for 12 months from the date of submission. If your application is not completed within that window, you will need to reapply.
- Practice cannot begin until your license is officially issued — plan your start date accordingly.
- All application fees are non-refundable.
- Providing false information on your application may result in license denial.
- Processing times vary based on application completeness and Board volume, so submitting a thorough and complete application from the outset is always the fastest path forward.
Maintaining Your License
Tennessee dental licenses expire on December 31st of the second year and must be renewed on a biennial cycle, with a renewal fee of $200. Over each two-year renewal period, dentists must complete 40 hours of continuing education, with the following mandatory topic requirements:
- 2 hours on controlled substance prescribing
- 2 hours on chemical dependency
All licensees must maintain a current CPR certification throughout their time in practice and must notify the Board of any address changes within 30 days. Any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions must also be reported to the Board promptly.
Temporary licenses may be available in specific circumstances — contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry directly to inquire.
For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry directly:
665 Mainstream Drive Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: (615) 532-3202 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board.html
Requirements are subject to change, and confirming the latest details with the Board before you apply is always the right first step.