How Do You Apply For A Dental License After Conviction Or Deferred Adjudication?

If you have previously been convicted or deferred adjudication, applying for a dental license may not be as straightforward. Fortunately, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners evaluates each license application on a case-by-case basis to determine license eligibility. So, if you have a criminal conviction history or deferred adjudication, it does not automatically preclude you from obtaining a license. Join us in this article as we elaborate on how to get a license with a criminal history.

Determine If Your History Makes You Ineligible For The License

One of the requirements to obtain a dental license is to submit a full set of fingerprints to conduct a criminal history record check. As such, if you have a criminal conviction history, discuss with a dentist license lawyer in Texas to determine if you are eligible to apply for a license or not. If you were convicted of a serious felony as defined in the Penal Code, it is grounds for license denial. The board will also consider the number of years that have elapsed since the date of the offense. If the reason for the conviction is substantially related to the qualification, duties, and function of the applicant, it may be grounds for dental license denial.

Initial Licensure By Examination

If your criminal history does not make you ineligible for a dental license, then you can apply for it through the examination route. However, you must be at least 21 years of age and have graduated or received a DMD or DDS degree from an accredited dental school. Also, you must have taken and passed the INBDE and Part I and II of the National Boards as well as the clinical examination administered by a regional examining body such as:

• Western Regional Examining Board
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies

Licensure By Credential

In a case where you were previously licensed as a dentist in good standing in another state, you can apply for a dental license in Texas by credential. To get a dental license through this route, you must have either a DMD or DDS degree, have practiced dentistry for a minimum of 3 to 5 years preceding the application, and have completed the INBDE and Part I and II of the National Boards. You also must hold a current Basic Life Support CPR certificate, complete the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment, and have 12 hours of Continuing Education within the last 12 months of your dental license application. Importantly, you must not have faced disciplinary action from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners in the past, be it a dental implant case, fraudulent actions, and so on.

Military-limited Volunteer Pathway

Whether active duty or veteran, those in the U.S. Military can apply for a dental license through the volunteer pathway. However, you must be retired from any active practice and hold or have held a dental license in good standing in another state. It’s also a requirement to provide all the supplementary documents, as required, with a copy of your Military Change of Station Order, Identification Card, or any document showing proof of Honorable or General Discharge. A paper application is required to apply for this license. Note that with this license, you can only practice at charitable clinics. As such, there is no compensation for your dental services. Additionally, this pathway allows military dentists to continue serving their communities by providing essential dental care to underserved populations, fostering a sense of duty and giving back. Volunteers may also receive support and resources from military organizations to facilitate their practice in charitable settings.