Licensure Process - By Exam And By Criteria (Reciprocity)

(1) The process for obtaining licensure by exam or by criteria (reciprocity) is as follows: (a) An applicant shall obtain a Board application form from the Board Administrative Office, respond truthfully and completely to every question or request for information contained in the form and submit it along with all documentation and fees required by the form and this rule to the Board Administrative Office. It is the intent of this rule that all activities necessary to accomplish the filing of the required documentation be completed prior to filing a licensure application and that all documentation be filed simultaneously. (b) An applicant shall cause to be submitted directly, from a dental school, college or university duly accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, to the Board Administrative Office a certificate of graduation containing the institution’s Official Seal and which shows the following: 1. The applicant’s transcript; and 2. The degree and diploma conferred, or a letter from the Dean of the educational institution attesting to the applicant’s eligibility for the degree and diploma if the last term of dental school has not been completed at the time of application. However, no license shall be issued until official notification is received in the Board Administrative Office that the degree and diploma have been conferred. (c) An applicant shall submit a signed “passport” style photograph taken within the preceding twelve (12) months. (d) An applicant shall submit evidence of good moral character. Such evidence shall include at least two (2) letters attesting to the applicant’s character from dental professionals on the signator’s letterhead. (e) An applicant shall submit proof of United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of being legally entitled to live in the United States. Such evidence may include copies of birth certificates, naturalization papers, or current visa status. (f) An applicant shall submit the required fees as provided in Rule 0460-01-.02(1). (g) An applicant shall disclose the circumstances surrounding any of the following: RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY CHAPTER 0460-02 1. Conviction of any criminal law violation of any country, state, or municipality, except minor traffic violations. 2. The denial of licensure application by any other state or the discipline of licensure in any state. 3. Loss or restriction of hospital privileges. 4. Any other civil suit judgment or civil suit settlement in which the applicant was a party defendant including, without limitation, actions involving malpractice, breach of contract, antitrust activity or any other civil action remedy recognized under any country’s or state’s statutory, common, or case law. 5. Failure of any dental licensure examination. (h) An applicant shall cause to be submitted to the Board’s administrative office directly from the vendor identified in the Board’s licensure application materials, the result of a criminal background check. (i) An applicant shall submit evidence of current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which is defined as successful completion of a BLS for Healthcare Providers, or CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, or an equivalent course, which provides training for healthcare professionals in CPR and the use of an AED by a Board-approved training organization. The course must be conducted in person and include a skills examination on a manikin with a certified instructor. (j) An applicant shall indicate whether the applicant is physically capable of performing the procedures included in the practice of dentistry and if not, make explanation. (k) An applicant shall successfully complete the Tennesee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence examination. (2) In addition to completing the process described in paragraph (1), an applicant for licensure by exam: (a) Shall cause to be submitted a certificate of successful completion of the examinations for licensure as governed by Rule 0460-02-.05; and (b) If an applicant for licensure by exam has ever held a license to practice dentistry in any other state or Canada, the applicant shall submit or cause to be submitted directly to the Board’s administrative office from each licensing board that has currently or has ever granted authority to practice dentistry indication that the applicant either holds a current active license and whether it is in good standing, or held a license which is currently inactive and whether it was in good standing at the time it became inactive. (3) In addition to completing the process described in paragraph (1), an applicant for licensure by criteria (reciprocity): (a) Shall cause to be submitted directly to the Board’s administrative office from each licensing board that has currently or has ever granted authority to practice dentistry indication that the applicant previously held or currently holds a valid license to practice dentistry and is absent of any pending disciplinary charges or action or any current investigation by a disciplinary authority, and RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY CHAPTER 0460-02 1. Shall cause to be submitted directly to the Board’s administrative office pertinent information about any disciplinary action imposed in any other state; and 2. Shall provide a copy of all current and valid licenses to practice dentistry; and 3. Shall provide the name of another state in which licensure to practice dentistry is or has been held; and (b) Shall demonstrate intent to actively practice or teach in Tennessee by submitting proof of employment as a dentist or by submitting proof of starting a private dental practice; and (c) Shall demonstrate that he/she has not failed previously any exams required by Rule 0460-02-.05 without subsequently retaking and passing such exams, if passage of such exams has ever been attempted; and (d) Shall demonstrate that he/she has practiced dentistry in another state or states for at least five (5) years by submitting proof of employment as a dentist or by submitting proof of having had a private dental practice; or (e) Shall demonstrate that he/she has taught in an American Dental Association accredited institution for at least five (5) years; or (f) Shall demonstrate any combination of subparagraphs (d) and (e) for at least five (5) years; or (g) Shall demonstrate that he/she has practiced dentistry in another state or states for at least two (2) years by submitting proof of employment as a dentist or by submitting proof of having had a private dental practice, and shall cause to be submitted a certificate of successful completion of an examination administered by another state, as provided in T.C.A. § 63-5-110(b)(6)(D); or (h) Shall demonstrate that he/she has taught in an American Dental Association accredited institution for at least two (2) years, and shall cause to be submitted a certificate of successful completion of the examinations for licensure as governed by Rule 0460-02- .05 or of an examination administered by another state, as provided in T.C.A. § 63-5- 110(b)(6)(E); or (i) Shall demonstrate any combination of subparagraphs (g) and (h) for at least two (2) years. (4) Application review and licensure decisions required by this rule shall be governed by Rule 0460-01-.04.