Criminal History Evaluation

Purpose of a Criminal History Evaluation

A person enrolled or planning to enroll in an educational program that prepares the person for licensure as a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant who has reason to believe that he or she may be ineligible for licensure due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or a misdemeanor offense may apply for a criminal history evaluation.

Application and Supporting Document Requirements- Must be mailed to TSBDE

• Criminal History Evaluation Application.
• Required application fee.
• A letter prepared by the applicant indicating the reason(s) and basis of potential ineligibility.
• Any applicable certified court documents including, but not limited to, indictments, orders of deferred adjudication, judgments, probation records and evidence of completion of probation.
• Any other documentation requested by the TSBDE.

Once the completed application has been received, staff will email the instructions on scheduling a fingerprint session with IdentoGO. Once the applicant has completed their fingerprint session, the applicant will need to email a copy of their fingerprint receipt to Licensinghelp@tsbde.texas.gov and include their full name and date of birth.

Criminal History Evaluation Application

Additional Information

1. Investigation.  An investigation of the applicant’s eligibility may be conducted by the TSBDE.
2. Ineligibility for a License.  If the TSBDE determines the applicant is ineligible for a license, the applicant will receive a letter from the TSBDE setting out each reason for potential ineligibility and the TSBDE’s determination as to eligibility.  In the absence of new evidence known to but not disclosed by the applicant or not reasonable available to the TSBDE at the time the letter is issued, the TSBDE’s ruling on the request determines the applicant’s eligibility with respect to the ground for potential ineligibility set out in the letter.
3. Notice of Ineligibility.  The TSBDE shall provide notice to the applicant no later than the 90th day after the date the TSBDE receives the request.
4. Application Fee.  The application fee is non-refundable.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I do not have a criminal history do I need to complete this application?  No. You may exclude Class C Misdemeanor traffic violations.
2. What does “Certified” mean?  Each page of every document submitted must be stamped with the court seal and certified by the court clerk as being a true and original copy of the court record. Copies or non-certified documents will not be accepted.
3. How do I get my copy of court documents certified?  Contact the county clerk where your case was adjudicated and ask for instructions on how to obtain a copy of your record(s). Allow time for response to your request as some records go through a search and approval procedure before being released.
4. My lawyer has all the documents. Can I get them from her/him?   Contact your attorney for assistance. Copies will still need to be certified by the court clerk as being true and original copies.
5. I don’t know the outcome of my criminal matter. Who do I talk  to?  Consult with your attorney if you have questions regarding the outcome of any criminal matter.
6. Where can I obtain a copy of my criminal history?  A criminal history can be obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
7. What law  applies to the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?  Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, (Consequences of a Criminal Conviction), Subchapter B (Ineligibility for License).