Changes To Dental Licensure Regarding Board Exams, Re-Examination For Lapsed Practice

Oct 9, 2024
The amendment clarifies what exams applicants may submit for licensure and makes changes to re-licensure for dentists who have been not practicing for five or more years.

The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry recently adopted an amendment to the administrative code regarding the application for licensure to practice dentistry. 

Licensure Requirements: The amendment clarifies that applicants for licensure must submit proof of successfully completing either:

Parts I and II of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), or

The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). 

Re-Examination for Lapsed Practice: Dentists who have been inactive (not practicing) for five years or more must re-take the ADEX dental examination or complete a Board-approved refresher course with a post-course examination. This impacts dentists who may have been out of practice and are seeking re-entry into the profession. Also, The Board of Dentistry can require additional education, training, or supervision if the post-course or clinical examination shows deficiencies. 

This introduces a safeguard to ensure that returning practitioners meet current practice standards, but may also require more effort and time for some dentists seeking licensure or re-licensure.

For those dentists already licensed in another state or jurisdiction, the rule requires submission of similar examination results to be eligible for licensure in New Jersey. This may affect out-of-state dentists looking to practice in New Jersey, as they need to align their credentials with the state's standards.

View Adopted Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:30-1.2 in the New Jersey Register (56 N.J.R. 1808(a))