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

Hygienist License – Reinstate a Retired License

Registration Requirements

The TSBDE may reinstate a retired Texas dental hygiene 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 Process

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

  1. Reinstatement of a Retired License Application.
  2. Required application fee. Military Active Duty, Veterans and Military Active Duty Spouses do not pay an application fee.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Jurisprudence Assessment Certificate of Completion dated within the last 12 months.
  6. 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.
  7. Copy of Basic Life Support CPR Card.
  8. Military, Veterans and Spouses: Copy of Military Change of Station Orders or I.D. Card or Document showing proof of Honorable or General Discharge.
  9. 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.
  10. 1 – 2×2 passport photo.
    • Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
    • Copy of driver’s license, naturalization papers, or passport.
    • 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.
  11. Copy of driver’s license, naturalization papers, or passport.

Reinstate Retired Hygiene License Form

Initial Renewal (License Activation) Process

2-Step Application and Payment 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 pro-rated 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:  Active duty military, veterans and active duty military spouses 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.  
  • Your first license may be valid anywhere between 18 months to 30 months.  A reminder post card will be mailed to the mailing address on file with the TSBDE approximately 45 days prior to your license expiration date

Additional Information

  1. Change of Address. Licensees are required to notify the TSBDE within 60 days of a change in address.
  2. CPR Requirement. CPR Courses must include a hands-on demonstration of skills by the applicant on a manikin and a written assessment of skills.