General Qualifications
An applicant who submits an application for reinstatement and is actively practicing dentistry in another state within the two years immediately preceding the date of the application in addition to the other requirements listed in board rule 101.15 may reinstate a cancelled Texas license without reexamination.
An applicant who submits an application for reinstatement and has not been actively practicing dentistry in another state within the two years immediately preceding the date of the application; must submit proof that the applicant has taken and passed the clinical examination administered by a regional clinical examining board designated by the Board dated within the last seven (7) years immediately preceding the date of the application.
Application Requirements
- Submit a fully completed application for Reinstatement of Canceled License and fee. There is no application fee for military active duty, retirees, and military active duty spouses.
- 1- 2×2 passport photo
- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
- You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Use a plain white or off-white background.
- Be sized correctly.
- Copy of driver’s license, naturalization papers, or passport.
- Copy of current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification, must include hands on demonstration of skills.
- Official transcript showing proof of graduation from CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene school. Official transcript must be sealed an unopened.
- Proof of successful completion of National Board Parts I and II or the INBDE. TSBDE staff will electronically validate scores that have been made available to Texas.
- Proof of completion of a general dentistry clinical examination administered by a regional clinical examining board dated within seven (7) years from the date of examination. TSBDE will electronically validate scores that have been made available to Texas. Score reports must remain in the original sealed envelope if they are mailed in. Click here for a list of regional clinical examining boards recognized by the TSBDE. TSBDE currently validates scores from ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, and SRTA.
- Proof of completion of TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment for dentists without sedation within one year immediately prior to application.
- Proof of clinical practice is required. Submit a completed clinical practice affidavit form. This form cannot be completed by the applicant. You may download the Clinical Affidavit Form by clicking here: Clinical Affidavit.
- National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query Report. The report results must remain in the original sealed envelope. NPDB self-query reports are valid for 60 days. You can contact the NPDB at (800) 767-6732 or visit their website at: http://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/howToGetStarted.jsp.
- A Verification of Licensure, including any and all disciplinary action issued by the board of dental examiners with a raised seal, from all states where the applicant has ever been licensed, or is currently licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. This only applies to dental professionals who have held a license in another state/jurisdiction. A copy of the license alone is not acceptable. The verification of licensure must be received in its original sealed envelope.
- Beginning October 1, 2021, applicants applying for licensure or registration with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) must complete a course in human trafficking prevention approved by the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and submit proof of completion with their application. This will be in addition to all required documentation that needs to be submitted to the TSBDE. For information on where to find approved courses, please click here.
- Proof of completion of 12 hours of CE in accordance with TSBDE Rule §104.2;
- At least 8 hours of coursework must be either technical or scientific as related to clinical care,
- Up to 4 hours of coursework may be in risk-management courses,
- Up to 4 hours of coursework may be self-study.
Upon receipt of a completed application, staff will email the applicant the required fingerprint information. This information is required in order for the applicant to schedule 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.
Military Applicants: U.S. Military Active Duty, Veterans, and U.S. Military Active Duty Spouses may not apply online. Submit a paper application and select your method of licensure. All of the above supplemental documents are required along with a copy of your Military Change of Station Orders, Identification Card or a document showing proof of Honorable or General Discharge.
Please allow 3 – 4 weeks for processing once the TSBDE has received a completed application. Incomplete applications will delay the process. Please do not contact the Licensing Division to check the status of your application unless it has been longer than 4 weeks and you have not been contacted via mail. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an approval letter via the U.S. mail advising you of the license activation process.
Dentist Temporary Licensure for Charitable Purpose
Initial Renewal (License Activation) Process
The status of your license will be Expired after it is first issued. You will receive a letter in the mail with instructions for paying your prorated initial renewal (activation) fee online. This fee will activate your license and change the status to Active. This letter will authorize you to practice for 30 days. Once you pay your fee online you should receive your new license in the mail approximately 7-10 days later. Exception: Military applicants are not required to pay to activate their license. The license will be issued and mailed to the applicant after the application has been approved.
- Register for a secure online account. If account exists, simply log-in.
- User ID (email) – use a personal email address (not assigned by college)
- Receive a temporary password from donotreply@hpc.state.tx.us
- Log-in with temporary password and choose a permanent password (write down the user id and password)
Be sure you have your license number before proceeding to the next step. If you have not received your approval letter in the mail, you may also verify your license from the board’s website under Search Licensees.
- From the Quick Start Menu, select ⇢ Update Profile →Add Licenses
- Complete the application; submit fees with MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.
Your first license may be valid anywhere between 18- 30 months. A renewal postcard reminder will be mailed to the mailing address on file with the TSBDE approximately 60 days prior to your license expiration date.
Designation of Records
This form is to be used by the licensed Texas dentist to designate a custodian of records upon initial licensure and at each renewal period. Dental records are the sole property of the dentist who performs the dental service, unless otherwise designated per Board rules. Please provide the following information to appropriately designate ownership of records and appointment of a custodian, if necessary. Upon completion of the form, you may email it to licensinghelp@tsbde.texas.gov.
Additional Information
- Anesthesia Permits – Dentists must be issued a Texas Dental License before an Application for an Anesthesia Permit can be processed.
- Change of Address – Licensees are required to notify the TSBDE within 60 days of a change in address.
- CPR Requirement – CPR Courses must include a hands-on demonstration of skills by the applicant on a manikin and a written assessment of skills.