Dual Degree Licensure Process

The Board may issue a license to practice dentistry in Tennessee to persons who hold both dental and medical degrees and meet the qualifications contained in this rule. The process for obtaining a license by this method is as follows: (1) An applicant shall obtain an 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 or 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. (2) An applicant shall request that a transcript from a dental school, college or university be sent directly from the institution to the Board Administrative Office. The transcript must show that either a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree was conferred and carry the official seal of the institution. (3) An applicant shall submit a signed and notarized passport photograph taken within the preceding twelve (12) months. (4) An applicant must submit evidence of good moral character and competence. Such evidence shall include at least two (2) letters attesting to the applicant’s character and ability from licensed dentists or physicians on the signator’s letterhead. (5) An applicant shall submit proof of United States or Canada citizenship or evidence of being legally entitled to live in the United States. Such evidence may include notarized copies of birth certificates, naturalization papers, or current visa status. (6) An applicant shall submit the licensure application fee and state regulatory fees as provided in Rule 0460-01-.02(1). (7) If the applicant has ever taken any Board-approved examination as provided in Rule 0460- 02-.05(1)(a), an application will not be approved unless and/or until a certification is submitted which indicates that the applicant achieved passing scores on all parts of the examination. (8) 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. (9) 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. (10) An applicant shall disclose the circumstances surrounding any of the following: (a) Conviction of any criminal law violation of a country, state or municipality, except minor traffic violations. (b) The denial of licensure application by any other state or the disciplinary of licensure in any state. (c) Loss or restriction of hospital privileges. (d) 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 RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY CHAPTER 0460-02 contract, antitrust activity or any other civil action remedy recognized under any county’s or state’s statutory, common, or case law. (e) Failure of any dental and/or medical licensure examination. (11) 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. (12) An applicant shall submit or cause to be submitted the equivalent of a Tennessee Certificate of Endorsement from the licensing board(s) of every state or U.S. territory in which the applicant has ever been licensed as a dentist and/or physician which indicates the applicant either holds a current active license(s) and whether it is in good standing, or held a license(s) which is currently inactive and whether it was in good standing at the time it became inactive. An applicant must possess an active dental license which is in good standing in at least one (1) other state or U.S. territory. (13) An applicant shall cause to be submitted a certification which indicates that a graduate training program in a specialty branch of dentistry listed in T.C.A. § 63-5-112 or Rule 0460- 02-.06 has been successfully completed. (14) An applicant must apply for a specialty certification and successfully complete all requirements for that specialty certification as provided in Rule 0460-02-.06 before application for licensure shall be granted. (15) An applicant shall submit a copy of an active, current license to practice medicine in Tennessee. (16) An applicant shall successfully complete the Tennessee Board of Dentistry Ethics and Jurisprudence examination. (17) Application review and licensure decisions required by this rule shall be governed by Rule 0460-01-.04.