TSBDE will be closed between Dec. 24-27, 2024 and January 1-2, 2025 for the holiday season.

Dentist – Reinstate a Retired License

Qualifications

The TSBDE may reinstate a retired Texas dental license to active status, provided the license holder submits an Application for Reinstatement of a Retired License and pays the appropriate fees due at the time of application.

Application and Supporting Document Requirements

The following documents must be completed and mailed to the TSBDE:

  • Reinstatement of a Retired License Application.
  • Required application fee. Military Active Duty, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Spouses do not pay an application fee.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query.  All applicants are required to complete a self-query of the NPDB.  The report results must remain in the original sealed envelope and be attached to your application to the TSBDE.  NPDB self-query reports are valid for 60 days. NPDB charges a minimal fee to furnish this information. You can contact the NPDB at Post Office Box 10832, Chantilly, VA 22021, telephone number (800) 767-6732, or website http://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/howToGetStarted.jsp. 
  • Proof of completion of TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment for dentists without sedation within one year immediately prior to application.
  • If you have not practiced within the last two years, you must provide proof of completion of 24 hours of CE in accordance with TSBDE Rule 104.1.
  • If you have been practicing within the last two years in another state or jurisdiction,
    • you are required to provide proof of completion of 12 hours of CE in accordance with TSBDE Rule§ 104.1 and
    • 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
  • Proof of the Health and Human Services (HHS) approved Human Trafficking Course completion certificate. 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.

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. 

Reinstate Retired Dental License Form

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.

Designation of Records Form

Additional Information

  1. Anesthesia Permits: Dentists must hold an active Texas Dental License before an Application for an Anesthesia Permit can be processed.
  2. Change of Address: Licensees are required to notify the TSBDE within 60 days of a change in address.
  3. CPR Requirement: CPR Courses must include a hands-on demonstration of skills by the applicant on a manikin and a written assessment of skills.