Dentist
The practice of dentistry includes the ability to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or operate for any disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the teeth, jaws or adjacent structures.
In order for a dentist to administer any of the different levels of anesthesia the dentist is REQUIRED to have a permit. A separate permit is needed for each location where the dentist will be administering anesthesia.
Application Procedures/Requirements
Dentists can be licensed by either "examination" or "reciprocity". These terms are specific to this state, so please read the requirements below:
To qualify for licensure by examination you must:
- Graduate from an accredited school or college of Dentistry;
- Pass the licensure examination Part I and Part II given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) with a score of 75 or above on each part of this examination;
- Pass the licensure practical examination given by one of the following:
- Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) scores will be eligible for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken;
- Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) plus parts I and III of the CRDTS examination are acceptable as of April 11, 2008. Scores will be eligible for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken;
- North East Regional Board (NERB) scores will be eligible with those exams taken after January 1, 2002 for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken;
- Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) plus part IV of the CRDTS examination are acceptable as of April 11, 2008. Scores will be eligible for a period of five (5) years from the date exam was taken; or
- A state practical examination taken after the effective date of these regulations that the Board of Dentistry has deemed equivalent.
- Pass a
jurisprudence examination that relates to the statutes that govern dentistry with an average score of 75% or above;
- Have good moral character and have attained at least the age of majority (
Application Procedures:
The applicant will need to submit to the Department the following:
- Completed
- Official transcript from an accredited school or college of dentistry showing graduation from the school or college;
- Official documentation of the scores obtained on Parts I and II of the licensure examination given by JCNDE;
- Official documentation of the scores obtained on either the CRDTS, WREB, SRTA or NERB examination; NOTE: NERB examinees must request that NERB send their scores directly to our Department. All other regional exam scores are automatically sent to the Department.
- Completed
- Fee of $165, unless you are applying within the 6 months prior to the expiration date of the license, which is March 1,of odd years, then the fee is $41.25.
- Copy of a birth certificate, marriage license, driver’s license, or other valid verification of age.
The Department shall act within 150 days upon all completed applications for licensure.
To qualify for Licensure by Reciprocity:
An applicant who is licensed as a dentist in another jurisdiction may apply for licensure by reciprocity if the applicant meets the following requirements:
- Graduated from an accredited school or College of Dentistry;
- Passed the licensure examination Part I and Part II given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) with a score of 75 or above on each part of this examination;
- Passed an examination requiring demonstration of the applicant's skill in clinical dentistry;
- Passed a
- Have actively engaged in the practice of dentistry or in an accepted residency or graduate training program for at least 3 years in which one of those three years was within the least three years immediately preceding the date of application for licensure;
- Provided proof of 15 hours of continuing education that meets the criteria for approval by the Board during the 12 month period preceding the date of application for licensure;
- Attained at least the age of majority and have good moral character.
Application Procedures:
The applicant will need to submit to the Department the following:
- Completed
- Official transcript from an accredited school or college of dentistry showing graduation from the school or college;
- Official documentation of the scores obtained on Parts I and II of the licensure examination given by JCNDE;
- Official documentation of the scores obtained on either the CRDTS, WREB, SRTA or NERB examination; NOTE: NERB examinees must request that NERB send their scores directly to our Department. All other regional exam scores are automatically sent to the Department.
- Completed
- Fee of $165, unless you are applying within the 6 months prior to the expiration date of the license, which is March 1,of odd years, then the fee is $41.25.
- Copy of a birth certificate, marriage license, driver’s license, or other valid verification of age.
- Documentation sent directly to the Department from the licensing agencies of all jurisdictions where the applicant is or has ever been licensed.
- Documentation of being actively engaged in practice of dentistry or in an accepted residency or graduate training program.
- Evidence of completion of 15 hours of acceptable continuing education with the preceding 12 month of the date of application.
The Department shall act within 150 days upon all completed applications for licensure.
Examination Requirements
CRDTS www.crdts.org
WREB www.wreb.org
SRTA www.srta.org
NERB www.nerb.org
The
These forms may be completed online, however, they cannot be submitted via e-mail due to the fact that all applications and forms require original signatures. If you complete the form online, you must print the form and mail it to the address below.
Dentist renewal: All initial licenses issued by the Department shall expire on March 1 of each odd-numbered year. There are three license status choices:
Active Status
–means the licensee can engage in the practice of dentistry in the State of Nebraska.Inactive status-means the licensee shall not engage in the practice of dentistry in the State of Nebraska. The license that is placed on inactive for a one-time fee of $25.00 remains on that status until such time as the license is reinstated. In order to move a license from inactive to active status, an individual shall complete a reinstatement application, pay the renewal fee, which is in effect at the time he, or she wishes to reinstate the license and meet additional requirements as specified by regulation.
Lapsed status-means that when the lapsed status becomes effective, the right to represent himself or herself as a licensee and to practice profession in which such license is required shall terminate. To restore the license, such individual shall be required to meet the requirements for initial licensure, which are in effect at the time that he or she wishes to restore the license.
Any licensee who wishes to renew his or her license must:
- Meet continuing education requirements;
- Pay the renewal fee of $165.00; or
- Pay the inactive fee of $25.00.
First Notice. At least 30 days before March 1 of each odd-numbered year, the Department shall send a renewal notice which includes an affidavit for continuing education and an application for waiver of continuing education to each licensee at the licensee's last place of residence as noted in the records of the Department. It is the responsibility of the licensee prior to the renewal period to notify the Department of any name and/or address changes.
Second Notice. The Department shall send to each licensee who fails to renew his or her license or place such license on inactive or lapsed status in response to the first notice, a second notice of renewal.
When any licensee fails, within 30 days of expiration of a license, to meet the renewal requirement of payment of the renewal fee, the Department shall automatically revoke such license without further notice of hearing and shall make proper record of the revocation.
When any licensee fails, within 30 days of expiration of a license, to meet the continuing education requirements for renewal, if such is required, the Department shall revoke such license after notice and opportunity for hearing.
Revocation shall not apply when the licensee has given notification to the Department that he/she desires to have such license be placed on inactive or lapsed status upon expiration.
The Department may refuse to renew a license for falsification of any information submitted for renewal of a license. Such refusal shall be made pursuant to
Audit of Continuing Education. The Board may biennially select, in a random manner, a sample of the license renewal applications for audit of continuing education credits. Each licensee shall be responsible for maintaining in his/her personal files such certificates or records of credit from acceptable continuing education activities. Licensees selected for audit shall be required to produce documentation of his/her attendance at those continuing education activities listed on his/her renewal application.
- The Department will send to each licensee selected for audit a notice of audit.
- When selected for audit, the licensee must provide satisfactory documentation of attendance at or participation in the acceptable continuing education activities listed on the licensee's sworn affidavit.
- Failure to comply with the audit may be grounds for non-renewal of the license.
Waiver of Continuing Education
The Department, on the recommendation of the Board, may waive the continuing education requirements, in whole or in part, for any two-year license or for the period of time when a licensee submits documentation that circumstances beyond his or her control prevented the completion of such requirements.
- Such circumstances shall include situations in which the licensee:
- Is a legal resident of another state, territory, or the District of Columbia and has not practiced as a dentist or dental hygienist in the State of Nebraska during the 24 months immediately preceding the license renewal date; or
- Has been in the service of the regular armed forces of the United States during any part of the 24 months immediately preceding the license renewal date; or
- Has been suffering from a serious or disabling illness or physical disability which prevented completion of the required number of continuing education hours during the 24 months immediately preceding the license renewal date; or
- Has been first licensed within 24 months immediately preceding the renewal date.
A dentist must complete 30 hours of acceptable continuing education during the 24-month period preceding the expiration date of their license.
Anyone needing approval of continuing education courses may submit an application to the Department. Prior approval of continuing education courses is not required. The application for approval of continuing education courses may be submitted on a
- The topic of the program;
- Name of provider;
- Location of continuing education;
- The date(s) of the program; and
- The number of hours received for the program.
To obtain more detailed information concerning continuing education requirements in
To request an address change, you can contact Vonda Apking at (402) 471-2118 or e-mail at vonda.apking@dhhs.ne.gov If you wish to change your name on your Licensure Unit record, you must mail a
Licensure Unit
Vonda Apking
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986
Duplicates: A duplicate large license or small license card may be requested at the time of initial licensure. A $10.00 fee, per document, is required.
Reissue: A large license and/or small license card may be reissued when the licensee requests: additional documents; replacement of original document(s) due to loss, mutilation or destruction; or replacement of document(s) due to a name change.
To request a reissued license, you must submit a
Licensure Unit
Medical and Specialized Health
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986
Rules and Regulations/Statutes
The Board of Dentistry advises the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health on all issues related to the regulation of Dentistry. Board member composition and length of terms follows:
| Membership: | 6 Dentists (2 must be faculty members of the 2 dental
colleges) 2 Dental Hygienists 2 Public Members |
| Length of Term: | 5 years, no more than 2 consecutive full 5-year terms |
| Professional Requirements: | Been actively engaged in practice of his/her profession in the State of Nebraska, under a license issued in this state, for a period of 5 years just preceding his/her appointment |
| Public Member: |
|
The Board of Dentistry must meet at least 1 time per year - see Board Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and times. Meetings are open to the public, with the exception of investigational matters. Minutes of meeting are available here or by contacting Vonda Apking, (402) 471-2118 or by e-mail at vonda.apking@dhhs.ne.gov
Office Address:
Mailing Address Physical Address Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Public Health
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986Nebraska State Office Building
301 Centennial Mall South
14th and M Streets
3rd Floor
Lincoln, NebraskaPhone: (402) 471-2115
Fax: (402) 471-3577Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (central time)
Monday through FridayVonda Apking, Health Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (402) 471-2118
e-mail: vonda.apking@dhhs.ne.gov
Nebraska Dental Association
3120 "O" Street
Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: (402) 476-1704 or (800) 234-3120
Fax: (402) 476-2641
e-mail: info@nedental.org
Web Site: www.nedental.orgCentral Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc.
1725 SW Gage Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66604-3333
Phone: (785) 273-0380
Fax: (785) 273-5015
e-mail: info@crdts.org
Web Site: www.crdts.orgWestern Regional Examining Board
9201 North 25th Avenue, Suite 185
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Phone: (602) 944-3315
Fax: (602) 371-8131
e-mail: generalinfo@wreb.org
dentalinfo@wreb.org
hygieneinfo@wreb.org
Web Site: www.wreb.orgAmerican Dental Association Foundation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 440-2547
Fax: (312) 440-3526
E-mail: adaf@ada.org
Web Site: www.ada.orgAmerican Association of Dental Examiners
211 E. Chicago Ave
Suite #760
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 440-7464
e-mail: info@aadexam.org
Web Site: www.aadexam.orgNorth East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Inc.
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 900
Silver Spring, MD 2010-5604
Phone: (301) 563-3300
Fax: (301) 563-3307
Web Site: www.nerb.orgSouthern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.
303 34th Street, Suite 7
Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2855
Phone: (757) 428-1003
Web Site: www.srta.orgNational Board of Dental Examiners (ADA)
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Phone: (312) 440-2500
Web Site: www.ada.org
Brochures/Newsletters
Certification and Verification information can be obtained by checking the website at: www.dhhs.ne.gov/lis/lisindex.htm
OR
To request either a certification or verification or your license to be sent to another state licensing agency, send your request in writing along with the proper fee to the our office. Checks should be made payable to DHHS, Licensure Unit. .
Certification
- Fee - $25.00
- Certification includes:
- Name
- Profession
- License number
- Issuance date
- Expiration date
- Whether the license was granted by examination, waiver, or reciprocity
- Examination information, if available
- Whether disciplinary action has been taken against the license. If so, the type(s) and date(s) of the action will be included.
- SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Verification
- Fee - $5.00
- Verification includes:
- Name
- Profession
- License Number
- Expiration Date
- Department Staff Signature
A verification does not include the SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services nor information relating to discipline, school, or examination.
The Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) is an assessment, education, referral, case management, and monitoring service designed to help licensees, certificate holders, and registrants of the State of Nebraska work through substance abuse/addiction problems.
The LAP services are free. However, in some cases treatment from a community resource agency may be needed. If further assistance is needed, the LAP Coordinator will help refer the Licensee to the most appropriate agency. When a treatment referral is made, those expenses become the responsibility of the Licensee.
This program was established by
LAP telephone number: (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055. You may also visit their website at www.lapne.org
How do I file a complaint? To file a complaint, see the Investigations Unit web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm
What activities must be reported by a licensee, certificate holder, or registrant? Every credentialed person who has first-hand knowledge of unlicensed, illegal or unethical activities is required to report (includes self-reporting) within 30 days of the occurrence. Failure to report may result in discipline. To view additional information relating to mandatory reporting, click on the options below:
Mandatory Reporting Forms Mandatory Reporting shall not apply:
- to the spouse of the person,
- to a practitioner who is providing treatment to such person in a practitioner-patient relationship concerning information obtained or discovered in the course of treatment unless the treating practitioner determines that the condition of the person may be of a nature which constitutes a danger to the public health and safety by the person's continued practice, or
- when a credentialed person who is chemically impaired enters the Licensee Assistance Program authorized by
How is a complaint reviewed, and what is the disciplinary process? The following provides information relating to the complaint, investigative, and disciplinary process.
- Investigations web site www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm
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