Requirements & Procedures

A dentist who desires to practice his/her profession in the State of Arkansas must be a graduate of and received a DDS or DMD from a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), currently licensed in the state from which he is applying, and must have practiced continuously for a period of five years immediately prior to applying. To be considered as practicing "continuously", the applicant must have actively practiced dentistry for a minimum of 1000 hours per year for two calendar years immediately prior to the date of application. The qualifying hours of clinical practice must have been performed in the most current jurisdiction from where the application is being made. The applicant may have participated in a post-graduate dental/medical education program during the five years in order to satisfy the five year practice requirement..

Applicant must submit the following to the Arkansas Board office:

1. A completed application (PDF) for Arkansas Dental License by Credentials.
2. A copy of certificate showing current Healthcare Provider level of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
3. A fee (by check or money order) of $2250.
   Note: Application and resume are designed to be filled out electronically.
   

Applicant is responsible for requesting and paying applicable fees to obtain these documents and letters that are to be sent directly from the provider to the Board office:

1. An official transcript with school seal from the school of dentistry which issued D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree.
2. Verification forms (PDF) from every state where licensed whether license is current or not.
3. National Board Exam card sent from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations office with said exam card reflecting passage of the National Board Exam. Contact National Boards at 1-800-232-1694.
4. Letters from two licensed dentists, practicing in the same locale of the state where the applicant is or has been practicing, attesting to the applicant's moral character, standing, and ability.
5. Letters from the State and local Dental Association Peer Review Committee (if there is one) setting forth information of record concerning the applicant.
6. Proof of successfully passing a clinical examination for licensure. Results of the clinical exam must be sent directly to the Board from the State or regional testing agency that administered the examination.
   

The Board office will query the National Practitioner Data Bank.

The application, resume', and all supporting material shall be reviewed by the Board office. Applicant must pass the Arkansas jurisprudence exam with a score of at least 75%. The jurisprudence exam will be mailed to the applicant as soon as the Board office has received the application and fee.

The applicant shall appear before the Board at a time and place designated by the Board for a personal interview. The Board will then approve or deny the application; their decision is final.

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