Tennessee Dental License

Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Tennessee license by credentials?

Licensure by criteria approval (reciprocity) covers dentists licensed elsewhere with five years of practice, teaching at an ADA-accredited school, or both, who then take only the state ethics and jurisprudence exam. With two to five years, the applicant also submits a regional or other state exam certificate. Endorsements from every state ever licensed are required.

• Licensure by credentials available
• Practice required: 5 years of practice or teaching (2 years with a qualifying exam certificate)

Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0460-02-.01(3); T.C.A. 63-5-110

Which clinical exams does Tennessee accept?

ADEX lists Tennessee as accepting its dental exam. A regional exam failed and never later passed bars the criteria approval route, and scores more than five years old are reviewed case by case.

• ADEX accepted

Does Tennessee require a jurisprudence exam?

Every applicant, including criteria approval applicants, passes the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence examination.

• Jurisprudence or law exam

Is Tennessee in the dental compact?

Tennessee has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (2023), but no state issues compact privileges yet. Practicing here takes a Tennessee license.

• Compact enacted, not issuing

Does Tennessee require a sedation permit?

Tennessee issues limited and comprehensive conscious sedation permits and deep sedation/general anesthesia permits, renewed every two years. A separate dental facility permit is required for each office, and facilities are inspected every five years. Sedating children 13 and under takes a comprehensive permit.

• Separate sedation permit

What hygienists need to know in Tennessee

Hygienists licensed in other states can apply by criteria approval (reciprocity) and take the ethics and jurisprudence exam. Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide each require a separate board certification.

• Hygienist licensure by credentials
• Local anesthesia permit for hygienists

Do dental assistants need a Tennessee registration?

Tennessee registers dental assistants (registered dental assistants), with biennial renewal, and approves the courses that lead to expanded certifications such as nitrous oxide monitoring.

• Assistant or EFDA registration

Does Tennessee require fingerprints?

• Fingerprint background check

Does Tennessee offer a temporary or restricted dental license?

Tennessee offers limited and educational limited licenses and a free health clinic and volunteer practice route.

• Temporary or restricted license available

How often does a Tennessee dental license renew?

Licenses renew every two years. Dentists complete 40 CE hours in the two calendar years before renewal, including 2 hours on chemical dependency; sedation permit holders include 4 hours on anesthesia or sedation.

• Renews every 2 years
• 40 CE hours per cycle