Board of Dentistry
About
Featured Links
- Tennessee Board of Dentistry Partners with CE Broker
- Tennessee Clinical Guidelines for Management of Chronic Non-Malignant Pain
- Controlled Substance Database Reminder for Dentists
- Background Checks Required for Those Providing Patient Care
- REPORT TO A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BY A PROVIDER OF A PERSON ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES BY DECEPTION
- Policy Statement on acceptance of the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc. Examination (ADEX)
- Criminal Background Check Required for New Applications
About the Board of Dentistry
The Board of Dentistry was created in 1957 by the State Legislature. Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice as dentists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants within this state be qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is authorized to issue licenses to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. The Board is responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violations.
The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office 45 days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. Any licensee who has opted in to received e-mail notifications will be sent notification approximately 45 day prior to the expiration of the license. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. Licenses can be renewed on-line prior to expiration at https://apps.tn.gov/hlrs/. It is a violation of the law and of the board’s rules to practice on an expired license.
Licenses, permits, and certifications awarded by the Board include:
Dentists
- Full licensure (by examination or by criteria)
- Limited Educational licensure
- Limited licensure
- Dual degree licensure
- Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia Permit
- Limited conscious sedation permit
- Comprehensive Conscious Sedation Permit
- Specialty Certification
Dental Hygienists
- Full licensure (by examination and criteria)
- Educational licensure
- Administration and Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide Certification
- Prosthetic Function Certification
- Restorative Function Certification
- Administration of Local Anesthesia Certification
- Limited Prescriptive Authority Certification
Dental Assistants
- Registration
- Coronal Polishing Certification
- Dental Radiology Certification
- Monitoring Nitrous Oxide Certification
- Sealant Application Certification
- Prosthetic Function Certification
- Restorative Function Certification
Listed below are the areas of practice in which a dental hygienist or registered dental assistant must attend a board approved course and receive certification from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry prior to such providing service:
Dental Hygienists
- Administration and Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide Certification
- Prosthetic Function Certification
- Restorative Function Certification
- Administration of Local Anesthesia Certification
- Limited Prescriptive Authority Certification
Dental Assistants
- Coronal Polishing Certification
- Dental Radiology Certification
- Monitoring Nitrous Oxide Certification
- Sealant Application Certification
- Prosthetic Function Certification
- Restorative Function Certification
It is important that the employer dentist, supervising dentist and licensed hygienist or registered dental assistant check his/her license and registration to make sure that it accurately reflects those additional duties which the individual is legally allowed to perform.
To verify licensure/registration and additional certification, please visit the Board’s website at http://apps.health.tn.gov/licensure/default.aspx. If discrepancies are noted, please contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry at 615-532-5073 or 1-800-778-4123 ext. 5325073
Contact the Board of Dentistry
dental.health@tn.gov
615-532-5073 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
or write to
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37243
This Page Last Updated: April 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM