State licensing boards for dentists create statutes and laws that dentists must abide by and understand. It also pays to keep up with the latest trends in these laws, so you ensure the safety and security of your practice and your employees. For example, many states are now enacting regulations regarding sexual misconduct in the dental workplace, regarding clients and staff. Staying current on the most up to date laws and regulations is necessary for a successful dental practice.

To find the current state dental licensing boards and their laws, look for:

1. Industry websites that offer comprehensive information on dental state licensing.

2. Legal experts who update and evaluate board of dentistry laws and regulations.

3. Boards and associations that help govern your state board of dental examiners.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek out dental industry websites that offer a wealth of information on your state board of dentistr

Many dentistry industry websites understand the need for up-to-date information on dentist state licensing boards and new laws and regulations. They often offer updates, articles, and links to specific state board of dental laws and new legislation. If you're interested in a particular element of dental law, look for industry websites in that area to find the laws you need to know.

I recommend: Sedation Consulting offers links to each state's sedation laws and regulations. Dental Care Universe offers a comprehensive list of regulatory issues facing dentists today.

Read up on legal issues regarding state licensing for dentists from legal experts in the area

Legal experts and dental experts often post their legal findings and analysis on dentist licensing board issues online. You can benefit from their expertise and avoid costly mistakes that could lead to losing your license or heavy fines. Look for lawyers who specialize in dental law, and analysis of your state's laws and regulations, including new legislative additions to existing laws.

I recommend: The National Conference of State Legislatures offers dental hygiene law updates categorized by state. The Journal of the American Dental Association offers information on sexual misconduct regulations regarding dentistry.

Join a professional dentistry organization that monitors state dentist licensing boards laws

Many national and local dentistry organizations monitor impending and popular legislation that may be affecting dental state boards. Joining these organizations and searching their websites can help keep you current on the laws in your state, and legislation you should be aware of and understand.

I recommend: The Academy of General Dentistry offers updates and insight on upcoming and potential legislation issues. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons offers a government affairs area that monitors legislation and regulation at the national and local levels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to stay on top of state licensing boards for dentists laws and regulations for your hygienists and assistants, too. Your dental hygiene state board can also change laws and regulations that you need to be aware of and that can affect your practice if you're not aware of them.

State licensing for dentists is regulated by your state's board of dentistry and required to be able to practice. Additionally, some of your staff may also need to fulfill the requirements of a dental hygiene licensing board. Many dentists often forget these dental state licensing requirements, and eventually face losing their license.

To protect your practice and prevent this from happening to you, consider these important things to know:

1. You can easily find details about the dental state boards where you practice by searching the Internet.
2. Once you know where to find the information, it is easy to learn the specific requirements of your state's dentist licensing board.
3. Your state may require your hygienists to be licensed under the regulations of a dental hygiene licensing board.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find your state's board of dentistry website

Navigating the Internet in search of government information can often be difficult. Usually the state board of dental examiners will make it easy to find the pertinent information you need, but there are a couple of other Internet resources that can also be of help in your search. Also, if you are thinking about relocating your practice to another state, it would be wise to check out the requirements of the other state dental licensing board before making any final decisions.

I recommend: Look at lists of state dental licensing boards throughout the country. Dental Watch, a website run by two dentists, offers links to all of the state dentist licensing boards. A more official source of information is the American Association of Dental Examiners which has a map with links to the state licensing boards for dentists, as well as contact details for their administrators and the attorneys for each individual board of dentistry.

Be familiar with the requirements of the state dental licensing boards in which you practice

Some states are rigorously regulated by their dental licensing boards while others may have less demanding regulations. To protect your license, and the licenses of your staff, know what your state requires, and what kind of support they offer dentists and other dental professionals to meet their requirements.

I recommend: Every state board of dental examiners differs in how they present information to their affiliates. For example, the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners not only has all of their forms online in an interactive format, they also have handy links to legislation and news of interest to dentists, in addition to providing the ability to translate their web page into eight different languages. Whereas, the Missouri Division of Professional Registration website has less information, but it does provide all of the necessary forms needed for dentists to renew a license or to report continuing education credits.

Make sure hygienists are properly licensed by their state's dental hygiene licensing board

Be sure to know if your dental hygienists also need to be licensed so as not to jeopardize your practice. Most licensing information for hygienists can be found in the same place as the dental licensing board for your state. Specifically, look for a section of links to associated professions on the board of dentistry web page.

I recommend: If you have difficulty finding what you are looking for, check out the American Dental Hygienists' Association website to see if your state even has a dental hygiene licensing board, and to see what educational opportunities and support are available to your staff. If your hygienist happens to need further education, the American Dental Association provides a national board exam.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  After reviewing your state's board of dentistry website, if you still have unanswered questions or need further information, use the contact phone numbers and email addresses to get the answers or help you need.
• •  Dental state boards are available to help when it comes to licensing and other issues with your practice, so be sure to contact your state office and explore their solutions before a concern turns into a problem.