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

Military Licensing

Definitions

“Active Duty Military” and “Military Service Member” mean a person who is currently serving in the armed forces of the United States, in reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, or in the state military service of any state.

“Military Spouse” means a person who is married to a military service member who is currently on active duty.

“Military Veteran” means a person who has served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States, or in an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces.

Military Application Licensure Options for Dentists

  1. Licensure by Examination
  2. Foreign Graduate licensure
  3. Temporary license by Credentials
  4. Licensure by Credentials
  5. Military Limited Volunteer License – This license will grant military personnel a Texas dental license to only practice at a clinic that primarily treats indigent patients and may not receive direct or indirect compensation for services rendered at the clinic. As stated in Rule §101.13 Military Limited Volunteer License.
  6. Military Spouse Authorization – This authorization is exempt from licensure and is limited to the duration of the military spouse that is, stationed at a military installation in Texas. As stated in Rule §101.14 Exemption from Licensure for Certain Military Spouses, this authorization is not to exceed three years.

Military Application Options for Hygienists

  1. Licensure by Examination
  2. Licensure by Credentials
  3. Temporary license by Credentials
  4. Military Spouse Authorization – This authorization is exempt from licensure and is limited to the duration of the military spouse that is, stationed at a military installation in Texas. As stated in Rule §103.10 Exemption from Licensure for Certain Military Spouses, this authorization is not to exceed three years.
  5. Military Limited Volunteer License – This license will grant military personnel a Texas dental hygiene license to only practice at a clinic that primarily treats indigent patients and may not receive direct or indirect compensation for services rendered at the clinic. As stated in Rule §103.9 Military Limited Volunteer License. 

Military Application Options for Dental Assistants

  1. Initial Registration 
  2. Military Spouse Authorization – This authorization is exempt from licensure and is limited to the duration of the military spouse that is, stationed at a military installation in Texas. As stated in Rule §114.7 Exemption from Licensure for Certain Military Spouses, this authorization is not to exceed three years.

Requirements and Fees

Depending on the method of licensure that is selected, the applicant, in addition to all other required documentation, using their their military credentials to apply will also need to include proof of the one or more of the following; proof of Honorable or General Discharge, proof of the military spouse’s residency in this state, a copy of the spouse’s military identification card, and proof of the military member’s status as an active duty military service member as defined by §437.001(1), Texas Government Code (relating to Definitions).

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners does primary source verify educational documents as well as any verification of licensure documents that are required to be submitted with the application which include but are not limited to; official school transcripts, National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self query reports, program completion letters, clinical affidavits, etc.

Applicants using their military credentials for any one of the above options will not be required to pay an application or activation fee therefore cannot apply online.

Once a license has been issued, military applicants must then create an online account. Please see the instructions below.

Online Licensing Account

Once the Texas license or registration has been issued. You will need to register for an online account. The following transactions maybe completed via the online licensing account:

  • Renew your dental, dental hygiene, or registered dental assistant license,
  • Update your address,
  • Submit your designation of records (dentists only),
  • Request for a verification of licensure – letter of good standing from TSBDE to be sent to another state or organization (fee required),
  • Submit your request for a name change (legal documentation required), and
  • Request for a duplicate license (fee required) – You may still print your e-renewal certificate for no fee at https://tsbde.texas.gov/printcert/

If you have registered but have not accessed your account since 2011, you will need to reregister. Follow the instructions below

Register for a secure online account. If an 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)
    • From the  Quick Start Menu, Under Additional Activities select  Add Licenses to Registration. You will then need to verify your information to ensure it is your license or registration you are registered for.

Any questions or concerns regarding this information should be sent via email to licensinghelp@tsbde.texas.gov