Board of Dentistry

Licenses and regulates those who practice as dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants within Tennessee to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans.

E-Prescribing Waiver Information and Application

T.C.A. 63-1-160  requires that on or after January 1, 2021, any prescription for a Schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance issued by a prescriber who is authorized by law to prescribe the drug must be issued as an electronic prescription from the person issuing the prescription to a pharmacy.

A health care prescriber that is unable to comply with the electronic prescription requirement for a Schedule II, III, IV or V prior to January 1, 2021, may apply for a waiver from the requirement based on economic hardship or technological limitations that are not reasonably within the control of the health care prescriber or other exceptional circumstance demonstrated by the health care prescriber.

The granting of this application provides a waiver from the electronic prescription requirement and is effective from January 1, 2026 until December 31, 2026. There is no fee for this application. Health care prescribers will be notified via the email address provided by the health care prescriber of the Commissioner’s approval or denial of the waiver request. The application for waiver can be found at:

Please complete the electronic fillable form below and ensure your contact information and reason for requesting the waiver are filled in. Once you hit submit, you will receive an email asking you to verify your email address. Once you verify your email address you will receive a second email confirming receipt of your waiver. 

About  Tennessee's 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. It is a violation of the law and of the board’s rules to practice on an expired license.

Featured Links

Licensure Scam Alert

The Department of Health has been made aware that some licensees of a few different health licensure boards have received fraudulent communications from individuals claiming to be from those licensee’s licensing boards. The communications, often by phone, may threaten arrest or license suspension, demand personal information, or require payment of fines.  Some of them have been accompanied by fraudulent letters claiming to suspend the license. Please note: 

  • Phone calls may “spoof” or appear to be from the boards’ number;
  • If you need to verify the identity of a TN board investigator, call (615) 741-8485 or email OIV.Complaints@tn.gov.
  • The health-related board investigators will never demand that you provide personally identifying information, such as a social security number, date of birth, or bank or credit card account numbers over the phone;
  • These types of licensing scams are a problem nationwide.

 If you believe you are the recipient of a fraudulent communication claiming to be from your licensing board:

  • If you believe you are the recipient of a fraudulent communication claiming to be from your licensing board:
  • Report the communication to the Internet Crime Complaint Center Internet Crime Complaint Center at using the code "TDHHPBSCAM2026".  This will allow law enforcement to link these scams for improved investigation.
  • Complainants can alternatively call the Fusion Center Tipline (800TBIFIND) or submit a tip online at TBI but the IC3 is preferred.

·         Notify the Department of Health at (615) 741-8485 or email OIV.Complaints@tn.gov

  • The Federal Trade Commission also accepts reports about “Imposter Scams” online or at 1-877-382-4357.

Licenses, Permits, and Certifications of the Board

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

Below are the areas of practice in which a dental hygienist or registered dental assistant must attend a Board approved course and receive certification prior to providing the 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

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

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

When completing the application process below, you will be required to submit an official transcript from the institution where you completed your education. The transcript must be mailed directly from the educational institution to the board office located at 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243. 

Applications

Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Registered Dental Assistants

Dentists

► Applying for initial licensure from your professional licensing board has become a bit easier.  For the past year, the Department of Health has been working on an online application process that will allow all health care professionals to apply online for an initial license and complete (and update as necessary) a practitioner profile mandatory for certain professions.  The process is user friendly and convenient and even allows you to pay for your initial application utilizing a credit card, debit card or e-check.  You will also be able to upload many of the documents required to complete your initial application!  Please go to the initial application link below to begin the online process.

Dental Hygienists

► Applying for initial licensure from your professional licensing board has become a bit easier.  For the past year, the Department of Health has been working on an online application process that will allow all health care professionals to apply online for an initial license and complete (and update as necessary) a practitioner profile mandatory for certain professions.  The process is user friendly and convenient and even allows you to pay for your initial application utilizing a credit card, debit card or e-check.  You will also be able to upload many of the documents required to complete your initial application!  Please go to the initial application link below to begin the online process.

Dental Assistants

► Applying for initial licensure from your professional licensing board has become a bit easier.  For the past year, the Department of Health has been working on an online application process that will allow all health care professionals to apply online for an initial license and complete (and update as necessary) a practitioner profile mandatory for certain professions.  The process is user friendly and convenient and even allows you to pay for your initial application utilizing a credit card, debit card or e-check.  You will also be able to upload many of the documents required to complete your initial application!  Please go to the initial application link below to begin the online process.

Programs and Certification Courses

Meetings, Members, & Minutes

Meeting Schedule

Click for the [Board] Calendar of Events

Public Notices will remain online until the minutes are ratified and posted on the Meeting Minutes page.

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at 665 Mainstream Drive, MetroCenter.

Members

Member Position Representation Term Expires
Greg Kemp, D.D.S Board Member Dentist 03-31-2024
Steven Zambrano, D.D.S. Board Member Dentist
 03-31-2026
Joseph Britton, D.D.S. Board Member Dentist 03-31-2026
Robert F. Caldwell, D.M.D. Vice President Dentist 03-31-2025
Maricela Rodriguez, D.D.S Board Member Dentist 03-31-2024
Suzanne DuVall Board Member Dental Hygienist 03-31-2026
Naomi Lynette Martin Board Member Registered Dental Assistant 03-31-2024
Edward H. Moody, Jr., D.D.S. Board Member Dentist 03-31-2025
Phillip A. Kemp, D.D.S. President Dentist 06-30-2025
Thao L. Kinsey, R.D.H. Sec/Tres Dental Hygienist 03-31-2024
Christopher Acree Board Member Citizen 03-31-2026

Meeting Minutes

Copies of all minutes are maintained in the official record section of the administrative office. Please contact the board administrator to make arrangements to review minutes of meetings held prior to 2004.

Continuing Education

Failure to comply with continuing education requirements may result in disciplinary action against the licensee or registrant. The disciplinary action will be reported on the Department of Health license verification web site. 

Requirements

The Tennessee Board of Dentistry Partners with CE Broker

At this time, it is not required that licensees register for an account but the board is encouraging licensees utilize this is a tool to assist in the tracking of the required continuing education.  The Board is providing this service to licensees at no cost.   CE Broker also has a course search available so licensees can search for courses they can complete to be in compliance with the continuing education requirements. 

CE Broker is the official CE/CME tracking system of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. The Board has provided you with a free Basic Account, so you have their helpful education tracking tools right at your fingertips.

Free Access
CE BROKER IS 100% FREE TO USE. You will never have to pay for a CE Broker Basic Account. Licensees do have the option to subscribe to an upgraded account, which offers additional CE tracking tools outlined below.

HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR FREE CE BROKER ACCOUNT?

1. Visit www.cebroker.com/tn/plans
2. Select the Basic Account option
3. Enter your license number and get started tracking your continuing education!

If you already have a CE Broker account, follow these simple steps to add your Tennessee license.

Comprehensive Course Search
The CE Broker Course Search helps you find every course you need to complete your license renewal. Any Courses with the “Take it Here” tag will be instantly reported to your account and appear in your Course History. To find courses, visit courses.cebroker.com/search/tn and select your profession.

Helpful Support Center
CE Broker provides dedicated support 8AM-8PM ET Monday - Friday with a team of experts trained on the rules and regulations of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. You can reach them by phone at 877-434-6323 or via email and live chat.

FAQs
Visit the CE Broker FAQ directly for detailed information on CE Broker and how to use your free account.

PRO TIP: Bring CE compliance wherever you go with the CE Broker mobile app. Available on iPhone and Android from the App Store or Google Play.

 

Continuing Education Requirements

Failure to comply with continuing education requirements may result in disciplinary action against the licensee or registrant. The disciplinary action will be reported on the Department of Health license verification web site.

For policies pertaining to continuing education, please click here.

Dentists are all required to fulfill 40 hours of continuing education during the two calendar year cycle (January 1 of an odd year - December 31 of an even year) and keep a current C.P.R. card at all times. A minimum of 2 of the required 40 biennial hours must be obtained in the area of prescribing of controlled substances education which includes instruction in the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines. Dentists who hold a Limited Conscious Sedation, Comprehensive Conscious Sedation or Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia permit must also complete a minimum of 4 hours of the required 40 biennial hours in the subject of sedation and/or anesthesia. Permit holders must also maintain current ACLS certification (PALS can be substituted if a pediatric dentist).

Dental hygienists are all required to fulfill 30 hours of continuing education during the two calendar year cycle (January 1 of an odd year - December 31 of an even year) and keep a current C.P.R. card at all times. A minimum of 2 of the required 30 biennial hours must be obtained in the area of chemical dependency education.  Beginning January 1, 2011, dental hygienists can obtain no more than 50% of their continuing education via online or web-based.  This requirement does not apply to dentists and registered dental assistants. Beginning  July 1, 2022, a live interactive webinar is to be considered in-person continuing education. This amendment to the statute defines a "live interactive webinar" as an internet based broadcast in which viewers may interact with a presenter in real time.

All registered dental assistants are all required to fulfill 24 hours of continuing education during the two calendar year cycle (January 1 of an odd year - December 31 of an even year) and keep a current C.P.R. card at all times. A minimum of 2 of the required 24 biennial hours must be obtained in the area of chemical dependency education.

According to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry rules, acceptable continuing education is:

  • Courses sponsored or approved by any of the following organizations:
  • American Dental Association or its constituent or component societies.
  • Academy of General Dentistry or a state affiliate.
  • American Dental Hygienists’ Association or its constituent or component societies.
  • Any national, regional or state academy or association of any of the recognized specialty branches of dentistry listed in T.C.A. § 63-5-112.
  • National Dental Association or its constituent or component societies.
  • National Dental Hygiene Association
  • Capital City Dental Society.
  • American Dental Assistants’ Association or its constituent or component societies.
  • Tennessee Dental Hygienists Academy of Advance Study.
  • Tennessee Department of Health and its affiliated Metropolitan Health Departments
  • Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Educational courses sponsored by an accredited school of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assisting. If such course is taken for or assigned quarter or semester credit hours, three semester hours or equivalent quarter hours shall be equivalent to fifteen continuing education hours. No credits will be counted for courses failed.
  • Five (5) hours of continuing education credit shall be granted for attendance at a state, regional or national dental meeting. A maximum of ten (10) continuing education credits may be earned in this category during the continuing education cycle that precedes the licensure or registration renewal year. These hours are in addition to any continuing education courses attended at any of those meetings.
  • Hour-for-hour of continuing education credit will be granted for courses in Advanced (ACLS) or Pediatric (PALS) Cardiac Life Support that are taught in accordance with the “Guidelines” of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross or sponsored by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross during the continuing education cycle that precedes the licensure or registration renewal year.
  • The hours necessary to obtain or maintain C.P.R. may be counted as continuing education hours.
  • Twenty (20) hours of continuing education credit will be awarded for authorship of publications relevant to the practice of dentistry (e.g., a book, a chapter of a book, or an article or paper published in a professional peer reviewed journal).
  • Four (4) hours of continuing education credit shall be awarded, during each continuing education cycle that precedes the licensure or registration renewal year, to presenters for each hour of an initial presentation of a formal continuing education course that is a didactic and/or a participatory presentation to review or update knowledge of new or existing concepts and techniques. Hour-for-hour credit will be granted for repeat presentations. This category is limited to a maximum of twenty (20) hours continuing education credit during each continuing education cycle that precedes the licensure or registration renewal year.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is defined as successful completion of a BLS Healthcare Provider course, or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or an equivalent course, which provides training for healthcare professionals in CPR and the use of an AED.  The course must be conducted in person and include a skills examination on a manikin with a certified instructor.

The Dental Board conducts random audits to verify C.P.R. certification and continuing education hours. You must retain these documents for a three-year period.

BEING AUDITED DURING A PARTICULAR YEAR DOES NOT PREVENT YOU FROM BEING AUDITED THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

Proof of continuing education cannot be in the form of personal summary. You must provide a copy of the certificate you were awarded showing the topic, hours awarded, instructor’s name and credentials, date, who approved the continuing education, the time the continuing education started, and the time the continuing education ended.

If your license is active in this state (not in a retired status), whether you practice or not, you are required to have C.P.R. recertification and continuing education. If you retired your practice, but did not retire your license with the state, you are required to maintain current C.P.R. recertification and continuing education.

Requests for waivers of continuing education and/or C.P.R. should comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry (refer to Rule 0460-1-.05(5)). All waivers must be in writing to the Board’s administrative office. As the rule states, waivers must be based on conditions that were beyond the physical capabilities for that individual to obtain C.P.R. and/or continuing education. The Board requests that you have doctor’s statements sent directly to the Board’s office stating the conditions and that it is the opinion of the doctor(s) that you should be allowed a waiver based on those conditions.

Whenever you have a question regarding continuing education, refer to Rule 0460-1-.05 "Continuing Education and C.P.R.," or call the Board’s administrative office and speak to the administrator of the Board.

Educational Programs

CODA Accredited Dental Schools

University of Tennessee Memphis
College of Dentistry
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-6200
E-mail Address: lshook@uthsc.edu

Meharry Medical College
School of Dentistry
1005 D. B. Todd, Jr. Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 327-6207

CODA Accredited Specialty Programs for Dentists

Meharry Medical College
School of Dentistry
1005 D.B. Todd Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37208
E-mail Address: meharrymedicalcollege@ccvax.mmc.edu
Specialties: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

University of Tennessee Memphis
College of Dentistry
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
Specialties: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics

University of Tennessee Medical Center
1924 Alcoa Highway
Box 94
Knoxville, Tn 37920-1514
Specialties: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 3300
Nashville, TN 37212-8224
E-mail Address: pattie.davis@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
Specialties: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics

For Dentists to Qualify for the Limited Conscious Sedation Permit

Anxiolysis and Moderate Sedation: Enteral Modalities
Contact Information:
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
211 East Chicago Ave., Suite 70
Chicago, IL 60611
(877) 255-3742
www.adsahome.org

Enteral Sedation and Dental Office Emergencies: A Comprehensive Review
Contact Information:
David Canfield, D.D.S., F.A.D.S.A.
(214) 384-0796
or
Baylor College of Dentistry
Office of Continuing Education
(214) 828-8318

DOCS-  "Oral Sedation Dentistry"
Contact Information:
DOCS Education (formally The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation)
3250 Airport Way S., Ste. 744
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 350-4889
www.DOCSEducation.com 
regulations@docsedu.com 

For Dentists to Qualify for the Comprehensive Conscious Sedation Permit

IV Moderate Sedation for Dentistry
Bayer Learning Center
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Department of Dentistry
Pittsburg, PA 15282
(412)-396-2535
www.duq.edu/iv-sedation

Parenteral Conscious Sedation in Dentistry
University of Kentucky
College of Dentistry
Continuing Education
MN-316 Dental Science Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40536-0297
(859)-323-8187
www.mc.uky.edu/dentistry

Conscious Patient Management with IV and Nitrous Sedation in General Dentistry
Contact Information:
Richard Kraut, D.D.S., Chairman
Montefiore Medical Center
Department of Dentistry
111 East 210th Street
Bronx, NY 10467-2490
(718) 920-4984
(718) 515-5419
rkraut@montefiore.org

Intravenous Conscious Sedation
Contact Information:
Augusta University Dental College of Georgia
Continuing Dental Education
Alumni Center
919 15th St, Augusta
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-3967 office
800-221-6437 office
706-721-4642 fax​

Intravenous Conscious Sedation
Contact Information:
University of Southern California
School of Dentistry
Department of Continuing Dental Education
925 West 34th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641
(213) 740-1590
http://dent-web20.usc.edu/ce/

Medical Emergencies, Local Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation in Dental Practice
Contact Information:
Ms. Dedra Chinn
Department of Medical Education
Miami Valley Hospital
1 Wyoming Street
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 208-3844
dlchinn@mvh.org
Also meets requirements for pediatric sedation training

Mini-Residency: An Intensive Course in Conscious Sedation
Contact Information:
Donna G. Thompson
Continuing Dental Education
UAB School of Dentistry
(205) 934-3753
(205) 975-9651 Fax
dgt@uab.edu
Also meets requirements for pediatric sedation training

 Parenteral Conscious Sedation
Contact Information:
David Crystal, D.D.S.
American Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia and Sedation in Dentistry
6 East Union Ave.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 469-9050 (732) 271-1985 Fax

Parenteral Moderate Sedation
Oregon Academy of General Dentistry
1730 Southwest Harbor Way, Suite 502
Portland, OR 97201
503-228-6266
www.oragd.org

Parenteral Sedation Program for Dentists
Conscious Sedation Consulting
692 Salt Lick Road
St. Peters, MO 63376
888-581-4448
www.SedationConsulting.com

IV Sedation for the General Dentist:  A Competency Course in Moderate Parenteral Sedation
Lutheran Medical Center AEDG Program
Foundry Dental Center
1700 6th Ave North
Bessemer, Alabama, 35020
Phone: 256-797-1964

IV Moderate Sedation Training
Academy of Dental and Medical Anesthesia
627 E 1st St.
Dayton, OH 46402
855-406-7671
www.ADMAtraining.org

IV Sedation Course
Western Surgical and Sedation
150 Merced Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
415-297-9046
www.westernsurgicalandsedation.com



Sedation Education Academy
Keep Calm with Moderate IV Sedation 
P.O. Box 331704
Murfreesboro, TN 37133
615-203-3465
info@sedationeducationacademy.com

IV Sedation Dentistry
DOCS Education in Collaboration with Idaho State Univerisity and Meharry Medical College
3250 Airport Way S, Suite #701
Seattle, WA 98134
855-227-6505
www.docseducation.com

Moderate Parenteral Sedation
Stay in the Box Sedation
700 S. Calumet Rd., Ste. 2
Chesterton, IN 46304
stayintheboxsedation@gmail.com 

CODA Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs

Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37406-1097
Program Director: Angie Maida
Phone: (423) 697- 4768
Website: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/dental-hygiene

Concorde Career College/Memphis
5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 132
Memphis, TN 38137
Program Director:
Phone: 901-761-9494
Website: www.concorde.edu/program/dental-hygiene

East Tennessee State University
Dental Hygiene Dept., Lamb Hall, Room 70
P.O. Box 70690
Johnson City, TN 37614-0690
Program Director: Tabitha Fair, RDH, PhD
Phone: 423-439-5237
Website: www.etsu.edu/crhs/alliedhealth/dhyg

Hiwassee College (Closed as of May 10, 2019)
Hiwassee College
225 Hiwassee College Dr.
Madisonville, TN 37354
Program Director: Ms. Leslie Barkley
Phone: 423-420-1919
Website: hiwassee.edu/academics/programs/dental-hygiene-program/

Remington College - Nashville Campus
441 Donelson Pike - Suite 150
Nashville, TN 37214
Program Director: Ms. Ann Dickinson
Phone: 615-889-5520
Website: www.remingtoncollege.edu/dental-hygiene-schools/

Roane State Community College
701 Briarcliff Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830-8795
Program Director: Melinda Gill, RDH, BSDH, MPA
Phone: 865-481-2000 X2128
Website: www.roanestate.edu/?127-Dental-Hygiene

South College
616 Marriott Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214
Program Director:
Phone: 629-802-3221
Website: https://www.south.edu/   

Tennessee State University
3500 John A Merritt Blvd
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
Program Director: Gary-Lee A. Lewis, BS, RDH, M.Ed.
Phone: (615) 963-5801
Website: www.tnstate.edu/dentalhygiene/

Tennessee Wesleyan University
2014 East College Street
Athens, TN 37303
Program Director: Randa Colbert, RDH
Phone: 423-420-1901 or 432-420-1234
Website: https://www.tnwesleyan.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors/dental-hygiene/  

University of Tennessee Health Science Center
College of Dentistry
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
Program Director: Ms. Lynn Russell, RDH, MEd
Phone: 901-448-6617 or 901-448-2528
Website: https://www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/dental-hygiene/index.php

Administration and Monitoring Nitrous Oxide Courses for Dental Hygienists

Basic Dentistry Done Better
2088 Lowe's Dr., Suite C
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 980-2072
Approval expires 12/31/26

Chattanooga State Community College
Department of Dental Hygiene
4501 Amnicola Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37406
423-697-4489
Approval expires 12/31/25

Concorde Career College
5100 Poplar Avenue Ste 132
Memphis TN  38137
901-761-9494
mdunlap@concorde.edu
Approval expires 12/31/25

Dent-Ed-Online
https://www.dent-ed-online.com/
423-381-0433
Expiration Date: 12/31/26

DOCS Education
500 Craig Rd., Ste. 101
Manalapan, NJ 07726
Approval Expires 12/31/2025

Excel Dental Educators
3441 Lebanon Pike #105
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 681-0174
www.exceldentaleducators.com
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Lincoln Memorial University
1705 St. Mary's St.
Knoxville, TN 37916
Approval Expires 12/31/2023

Interfaith Dental 
600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 921-5168
www.interfaithdentalclinic.com
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Nitrous Oxide Administration and Monitoring Certification Program
601 N.W. Atlantic St., Suite A
Tullahoma, TN 37388
931-455-8348
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Remington College-Dental Hygiene
441 Donelson Pike, Suite 150
Nashville, TN 37217
615-889-5520
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Roane State Community College
701 Briarcliff Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: 865-481-2000
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Tennessee Wesleyan University
204 E. College St.
Athens, TN 37303
(423)252-1475
Approval expires: 12/31/25

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
875 Union Avenue, Room C212A
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-5386
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Administration of Local Anesthesia Courses for Dental Hygienists

Chattanooga Community College
4501 Amnicola Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37406
423-697-4481
Approval expires 12/31/24

Dent-Ed-Online
P.O. Box 21763
Ooltewah, TN 37424
(423) 544-3596
dent-ed-online.com
Approval expires: 12/31/27

 

Excel Dental Educators
3441 Lebanon Pike #105
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 681-0174
www.exceldentaleducators.com
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Lincoln Memorial University
1705 St. Mary's St.
Knoxville, TN 37916
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Northeast Mississippi Community College 
101 Cunningham Blvd.
Booneville, MS 38829
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Tennessee Wesleyan University

204 E. College Street
Athens, TN 37303
423-252-1475
Approval expires: 12/31/24

TSU Dental Hygiene Program
13500 John A. Merritt Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37209
Approval expires: 12/31/25

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
Continuing Dental Education
875 Union Avenue, Room C212A
Memphis, TN 37163
901-448-5686
Approval expires: 12/31/26

 

Limited Prescriptive Authority Courses for Registered Dental Hygienists

Tennessee Dental Hygienist Association
https://tndha.com

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
Continuing Dental Education
875 Union Avenue, Room C-212A
Memphis, TN 37163

CODA Accredited Dental Assistant Programs

(These programs also qualify graduates for dental radiology certification)

Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37406-1097
(423) 697-5706
E-mail Address: mark.matney@chattanoogastate.edu 

Northeast State Technical Community College
Regional Center for Health Professions
300 W. Main St.
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423) 354-5501
www.northeaststate.edu

South College
616 Marriott Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 629-802-3221
Website: https://www.south.edu/

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Memphis

550 Alabama Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105-3604
(901) 543-6143

Volunteer State Community College
1480 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 741-3215 ext. 3439

Dental Assistant Registration Programs

(These programs also qualify graduates for dental radiology certification)

Academy of Dental & Medical Educators, Inc.

601 N.W. Atlantic Street, Suite A
Tullahoma, TN 37388
931-455-8348
Expires: 10/03/2026

 

Academy of Dental & Medical Educators, Inc.
School of Dental Assisting - Cookeville
350 S. Lowe Ave.
Cookeville, TN 38501
931-455-8348
Expires: 10/03/2026

Academy of Dental & Medical Educators, Inc.
School of Dental Assisting - Nashville
8120 Sawyer Brown Rd., Suite 103
Nashville, TN 37221
931-455-8348
Expires: 10/03/2026

Accelerated Dental Assisting Program of Tennessee
1925 Madison Square Blvd, Suite 500
LaVergne, TN 37086
615-257-1157
Expires: 7/13/2025

Applied Dental Assisting
228 N. Washington Ave.
Cookeville, TN 38501
931-808-7621
Expires: 1/12/2025

Bella Dental Institute
1210 Hazelwood Dr., Ste. B
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-930-2050
Expires: 10/03/2026

Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers
6397 Lee Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-305-7781
Expires: 7/10/2027

Clarksville Dental Assistant School
1692 Fort Campbell Blvd.
Clarksville, TN 37042
931-999-1321
Expires: 1/9/2027

Complete Dental Care Educational Center
2064 S. Highland Ave.
Jackson, TN 38305
1-800-843-6286
Expires: 1/9/2027

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
8190 E. Brainerd Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-509-5856
Expires: 7/16/2026

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy
1011 Waterford Pl.
Kingston, TN 37763
423-215-2212
Expires: 10/2/2027

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
8912 Town and Country Cir.
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-591-2808
Expires: 1/9/2027

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
201 Signature Pl.
Lebanon, TN 37087
865-591-2808
Expires: 1/9/2027

Concorde Career College- Memphis

5100 Poplar Ave. Suite 132
Memphis, TN  38137
901-761-9494
Expires: 10/03/2026

 

Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting
1540 Rock Springs Road
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-239-37617
Expires: 10/02/2027

Dalton Dental Assistant School
1017 Riverburch Parkway
Dalton, GA 30721
706-229-8335
Expires: 4/16/2027

Delta Technical College
6530 Interstate Blvd
Horn Lake, MS 38637
662-280-1443
Expires: 10/5/2025

 

Dental Assisting Academy of Lebanon
1430 W. Baddour Pkwy.
Lebanon, TN 37087
931-704-0834
Expires: 10/3/2026

Dental Assisting Academy of Middle Tennessee
3138 S. Church St., Ste. G
Murfreesboro, TN 37127
615-236-8887
Expires: 10/5/2025

Dental Assisting School in the Boro
1535 W. Northfield Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
931-704-0834
Expires: 1/12/2025

Dental Assistant School of Nashville
1800 Mallory Lane
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-373-4488
Expires: 10/12/2024

 

Dental Learning Center- Blountville
193 Franklin Rd.
Blountville, TN 37617
865-599-3034
Expires: 10/12/2024

Dental Learning Center- Maryville
1740 Big Springs Road
Maryville, TN 37801
865-599-3034
Expires: 10/12/2024

Dental Learning Center- Cookeville
22 N. Jefferson Ave.
Cookeville, TN 38501
865-599-3034
Expires: 10/12/2024

Dental Staff School of Chattanooga
125 Cherokee Blvd., Ste. 119
Chattanooga, TN 37405
678-819-3919
Expires: 1/9/2027

Dental Staff School of Johnson City
401 W. Walnut St.
Johnson City, TN 37604
678-819-3919
Expires: 1/9/2027

Dental Staff School of Knoxville
1715 Downtown West Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37919
678-819-3919
Expires: 1/9/2027

Dental Staff School of Tennessee
115 Penn Warren Dr., Ste. 500
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-707-2513
Expires: 1/9/2027

Dental Staff School of Tennessee- Jackson
1408 N. Highland Ave., Ste. 102
Jackson, TN 38301
615-707-2513
Expires: 10/2/2027

Dental Staffing & School of Knoxville
301 S. Concord St., Ste. 323
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-454-2588
Expires: 7/14/2024

Dyersburg Dental Assisting Program
95 Hwy. 51 Bypass W.
Dyersburg, TN 38024
731-676-3320
Expires: 4/13/2025

 

First Class Dental Assisting School of Nashville
1177 Old Hickory Blvd., Ste. 102
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-609-5400
Expires: 4/16/2025

Foothills Dental Academy
127 W. Macon Ln., Ste. 1
Seymour, TN 37865
865-573-37865
Expires: 10/03/2026

Genesis Career College
880-A East 10th Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
931-526-4515
Expired: 7/16/2026

Greater Memphis Career Institute
2682 Lamar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38114
615-364-1820
Expires: 7/14/2024

Hussain College Murfreesboro
855 W. College St. H
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-225-4497
Expires: 1/12/2025

Hussain College Nashville
750 Envious Lane
Nashville, TN 37217
615-361-7555
Expires: 1/12/2025

Interfaith Dental  RDA Apprenticeship Program
600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 921-5168
Expires: 10/02/2027

Interfaith Dental  RDA Apprenticeship Program
210 Robert Rose Dr., Ste. 2
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 921-5168
Expires: 10/02/2027

Lincoln Memorial University College of Dentistry
1705 St. Mary's Street
Knoxville, TN 37916
423-869-5714
Expires: 10/03/2026

Martin Dental Assistant Academy
113 Kennedy Dr.
Martin, TN 38237
731-587-4742
Expires: 4/16/2027

Memphis Dental Assistant School
717 S. White Station Rd., #7
Memphis, TN 38117
901-479-0750
Expires: 4/16/2027

Miller Motte College
6397 Lee Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-702-3284
Expires: 10/2/2027

Mountain Empire Community College
3441 Mountain Empire Road
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
276-523-7456
Expires: 1/9/2027

Nashville Dental Assistant School- Almaville
1932 Almaville Rd., Ste. 105
Smyrna, TN 37167
629-265-9209
Expires: 4/16/2027

Nashville Dental Assistant School- Mt. Juliet
14221 Lebanon Rd.
Old Hickory, TN 37138
931-999-1321
Expires: 4/16/2027

Next Level Dental Academy
693 President Pl., Ste. 101
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-490-5289
Expires: 4/11/2026

 

Paislee Elite Dental Assisting Program
2653 Lakevilla Dr.
Nashville, TN 37217
615-840-8149
Expires: 4/16/2027

Remington College
441 Donelson Pike, Ste. 150
Nashville, TN 37214
615-493-9301
Expires: 4/16/2027

Remington College-Memphis
2710 Nonconnah Blvd
Memphis, TN 38132
901-345-1000
Expires: 7/9/2023

Revive Dental Assisting
1212 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
423-206-9641
Expires: 9/10/2027

Rocky Top Institute for Dental Education & Assisting
110 Industrial Park Road
Rocky Top, TN 37769
865-426-7421
Expires: 10/3/2026

Ross Medical Education-Knoxville
206 North Seven Oaks Drive
Knoxville, TN 37922
256-430-9740
Expires: 4/16/2027

Ross Medical Education-Johnson City
3021 E Oakland Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601
423-232-6270
Expires: 4/16/2027

St. Appollonia Dental Assisting Academy
81 Thompson Ln.
Nashville, TN 37211
615-583-4100, Opt. 1
Expires: 4/16/2027

 

Sloane Dental Assisting School
1624 W. Main St., Ste. B
Franklin, TN 37064
615-656-5131
Expires: 7/10/2027

TCAT Dickson- Dental Assisting
740 Hwy. 46 South
Dickson, TN 37055
615-441-6220
Expires: 10/2/2027

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Knoxville
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-546-5567
Expires: 10/3/2026

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Murfreesboro
1303 Old Fort Parkway
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-898-8010
Expires: 4/16/2027

Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Pulaski
1233 E. College Street
Pulaski, TN 38478
931-424-4014
Expires: 7/10/2027

Tennessee Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
8176 Old Dexter Road, Suite #106
Cordova, TN 38016
901-581-8120
Expires: 1/9/2027

Tennessee Elite Dental Assistant Academy
201 Signature Place
Lebanon, TN 37087
615-720-4030
Expires: 1/12/2025

TN Professional Training Institute
1630 S. Church Street
Suite 302
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
TNPTI.com
Expires: 1/9/2027

TN Elite Dental Assistant Academy, LLC
40 W. Caldwell Street
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
615-720-4030
Expires: 10/5/2025

Vibe Dental Academy
403 E. College St.
Pulaski, TN 38478
931-226-4666
Expires: 4/16/2027

Walters State Community College-Greeneville

221 N. College Street
Greeneville, TN 37745
865-774-5852
Expires: 4/16/2027

Walters State Community College-Sevierville
1720 Old Newport Hwy
Sevierville, TN 37876
865-774-5852
Expires: 4/13/2025

Walters State Community College-Tazwell
1325 Claiborne St.
Tazewell, TN 37879
865-774-5852
Expires: 4/13/2025

Walters State Community College-Morristown
500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway
Morristown,  TN 37813
865-774-5852
Expires: 4/16/2027

Coronal Polishing Courses for Dental Assistants

 

Basic Dentistry Done Better
2088 Lowe's Dr., Suite C
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 980-2072
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Chattanooga College Medical, Dental and Technical Careers
6397 Lee Hwy. 
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-305-7781
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-697-4474
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Clarksville Dental Assisting Program
2297 Rudolphtown Rd.
Clarksville, TN 37043
931-245-3333
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Complete Dental Care Educational Center
2064 S. Highland Ave.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-736-4700
Approval expires 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy
8190 E. Brainerd Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-509-5856
Approval expires 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy
1011 Waterford Pl.
Kingston, TN 37763
423-215-2212
Approval expires 12/31/27

Coronal Polishing Certification Program
601 N.W. Atlantic St., Suite A
Tullahoma, TN 37388
931-455-8348
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting
1540 Rock Springs Road
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-930-3718 ext. 8
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Pro Ed
PO Box 157
Manchester, TN 37349
615-605-9124
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Dental Staff School of Chattanooga
125 Cherokee Blvd. #119
Chattanooga, TN 37405
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Staff School Johnson City
401 W. Walnut St.
Johnson City, TN 37604
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Staff School of Knoxville
1715 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37919
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Staff School of Tennessee
115 Penn Warren Dr., Ste. 500
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-707-2513
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Staff School of Tennessee- Jackson
1408 N. Highland Ave., Ste. 102
Jackson, TN 38301
615-707-2513
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Dent-Ed-Online
P.O. Box 21763
Chattanooga, TN 37424
(423) 544-3596
dent-ed-online.com
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Dr. Bob Dalsania DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
839 U.S. 51 S.
Covington, TN 38019
901-476-2270
Approval expires: 12/31/26

 

Excel Dental Educators
3441 Lebanon Pike #105
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 681-0174
www.exceldentaleducators.com
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Greater Memphis Career Institute
2682 Lamar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38114
Approval Expires: 12/31/24

 

Interfaith Dental 
600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37210
615-921-5168
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Lincoln Memorial Univeristy College of Dental Medicine
1705 St. Marry St.
Knoxville, TN 37917
685-370-2114
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Northeast State Community College
Regional Center for Health Professions
300 W. Main St.
Kingsport, TN 37660
423-354-5501
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Revive Dental Assisting
1212 Dodds Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 206-9641
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Knoxville
1100 Liberty St.
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Murfreesboro
1303 Old Fort Pkwy.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-898-8010
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Nashville
100 White Bridge Rd.
Nashville, TN 37209
615-425-5534
Approval expires: 12/31/26

 

Volunteer State Community College
1480 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615-230-3439
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Sealant Application Courses for Dental Assistants

 

Basic Dentistry Done Better
2088 Lowe's Dr., Suite C
Clarksville, TN 37040
931-980-2072
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Chattanooga College Medical, Dental and Technical Careers
6397 Lee Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-305-7781
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-697-4474
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Clarksville Dental Assisting Program
2297 Rudolphtown Rd.
Clarksville, TN 37043
931-245-3333
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy
1011 Waterford Pl.
Kingston, TN 37763
423-215-2212
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy
8190 E. Brainerd Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-509-5856
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Complete Dental Care Educational Center
2064 S. Highland Ave.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-736-4700
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting
1540 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-930-3719
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dr. Bob Dalsania Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
839 US Hwy 51 S.
Covington, TN 38023
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Pro Ed
PO Box 157
Manchester, TN 37349
615-605-9124
Approval expires 12/31/23

 

Dental Staff School of Chattanooga
125 Cherokee Blvd. #119
Chattanooga, TN 37405
615-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Dental Staff School of Tennessee Sealant Application Course
115 Penn Warren Dr., Ste. 500
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-707-2513
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Staff School Johnson City
401 W. Walnut St.
Johnson City, TN 37604
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Dental Staff School of Knoxville
1715 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37919
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Dent-Ed-Online
PO Box 4385
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-381-0433
dent-ed-online.com
Approval expires: 12/31/26

 

Excel Dental Educators
3441 Lebanon Pike #105
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 681-0174
www.exceldentaleducators.com
Approval expires: 12/31/26

 

Interfaith Dental 
600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37210
615-921-5168
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Northeast State Community College
300 W. Main St.
Kingsport, TN 37660
423-354-5501
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Revive Dental Assisting
1212 Dodds Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 206-9641
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Sealant Application Certification Program
601 N.W. Atlantic St., Suite A
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 455-8348
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Murfreesboro
1303 Old Fort Pkwy.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-898-8010
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Nashville
100 White Bridge Rd.
Nashville, TN 37209
615-425-5534
Approval expires 12/31/25

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Knoxville
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567
Approval expires: 12/31/26

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
875 Union Ave., Room C106A
Memphis, TN 38163
901-448-5386
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Volunteer State Community College
1480 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615-230-3439
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Lincoln Memorial University
1705 St. Mary's St,
Knoxville, TN 37916
Approval expires: 12/31/26

 

Monitoring Nitrous Oxide Courses for Dental Assistants

Basic Dentistry Done Better

2088 Lowe's Dr., Suite C
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 980-2072
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers
6397  Lee Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-305-7781
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-697-4474
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
1011 Waterford Pl.
Kingston, TN 37763
423-215-2212
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
8190 E. Brainerd Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-509-5856
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
 201 Signature Pl.
Lebanon, TN 37087
615-476-6805
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
8912 Town and Country Cir.
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-591-2808
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Complete Dental Care Educational Center
2064 S. Highland Ave.
Jackson, TN 38301
615-736-4700
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting, PLLC
1540 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-930-3719
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Pro Ed
PO Box 157
Manchester, TN 37349
615-605-9124
Approval expires: 12/31/24

Dental Staff School of Chattanooga
125 Cherokee Blvd. #119
Chattanooga, TN 37405
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Dental Staff School Johnson City
401 W. Walnut St.
Johnson City, TN 37604
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Dental Staff School of Knoxville
1715 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37919
678-819-3919
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Dental Staff School of Tennessee Online Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Course
115 Penn Warren Dr., Ste. 600
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-707-2513
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Dent-Ed-Online
PO Box 4385
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 544-3596
dent-ed-online.com
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dr. Bob Dalsania Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
839 US 51 S,
Covington,  TN 38019
901-476-9943
Approval expires: 12/31/26


Dyersburg Academy of Dental Assisting, LLC
95 Hwy 51 Bypass W
Dyersburg, TN 38024
731-676-3320
Approval expires: 12/31/23

 

Excel Dental Educators
3441 Lebanon Pike #105
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 681-0174
www.exceldentaleducators.com
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Interfaith  Dental 
600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 921-5168
www.interfaithdental.com
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Lincoln Memorial Univeristy College of Dental Medicine
1705 St. Marry St.
Knoxville, TN 37917
685-370-2114
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification Program
601 N.W. Atlantic St., Suite A
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 455-8348
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Northeast State Community College
300 W. Main St.
Kingston, TN 37660
423-354-5501
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Murfreesboro
1303 Old Fort Pkwy.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
615-898-8010
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Knoxville

1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 546-5567 ext. 141
Approval expires: 12/31/26

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
875 Union Avenue, Room C212A
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-5386
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Vibe Dental Academy
403 E. College St.
Pulaski, TN 38478
(931) 638-2605
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Volunteer State Community College
1480 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615-230-3439
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Dental Radiology Courses for Dental Assistants

 

Basic Dentistry Done Better
2088 Lowe's Dr., Suite C
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 980-2072
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting
1540 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-930-3719
Approval expires: 12/31/23

Dent-Ed-Online
PO Box 4385
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 381-0433
dent-ed-online.com
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Pro ED
PO Box 157
Manchester, TN 37349
615-605-9124
Approval expires 12/31/24

Dental Certificate Training Foundation
1635 Holly Hill Dr.
Germantown, TN 38138
901-409-0496
www.dentcert.org
Approval expires: 12/31/24

Dental Radiology Certification Program
601 N.W. Atlantic St., Suite A
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 455-8348
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Dental Staff School Knoxville
1715 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37919
Approval expires: 12/31/2025

Dr. Bob Dalsania DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
839 Hwy 51 S
Covington, TN 38019
(901) 476-2270
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Excel Dental Educators
3441 Lebanon Pike #105
Hermitage, TN 37076
615-681-0174
www.exceldentaleducators.com 
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Foothills Dental Academy
127 W. Macon Ln., Ste. 1
Seymour, TN 37865
(865) 573-7330
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Interfaith Dental 

600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37210
615-921-5168
Approval expires: 12/31/2025

Jackson Area Dental Certification
1520 Cherry Creek Cove
Henderson TN  38340
731-989-2763
Approval expires: 12/31/25

 

Lincoln Memorial University
1705 St. Mary's St,
Knoxville, TN 37916
Approval expires: 12/31/2026

Revive Dental Assisting
1212 Dodds Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 206-9641
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Knoxville
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-546-5567
Approval expires: 12/31/26

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-5386
http://uthsc.edu/
Approval expires: 12/31/22

Vibe Dental Academy
403 E. College St.
Pulaski, TN 38478
931-638-2605
Approval expires: 12/31/25

Restorative Function Courses for Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants

Lincoln Memorial University
College of Dental Medicine
1705 St. Mary's Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
(865) 370-37917
Approval expires: 12/31/27

Meharry Medical College
School of Dentistry
1005 D.B. Todd Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 327-6207
Approval expires: 12/31/26

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
Continuing Dental Education
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-5386
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Prosthetic Function Courses for Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants

Lincoln Memorial University
College of Dental Medicine
1705 St. Mary's Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
(865) 370-37917
Approval expires: 12/31/27

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
Continuing Dental Education
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-5386
Approval expires: 12/31/26

Frequently Asked Questions

Email and/or fax number for the Board of Dentistry: 

dental.health@tn.gov

Fax: 615-770-7444

 Currently, you can change your address online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/licensure.html and click on Licensure Renewal.   Name changes must be reported in writing and you must submit a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.    Name changes with supporting documents can be emailed or faxed.

 The Affidavit of Retirement is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  After completing, it must be mailed to the Board’s address.  The Affidavit of Retirement form can also be submitted online https://lars.tn.gov/datamart/mainMenu.do

Licenses expire on the last day of the month in which you were born.  The year it expires if determined by if you were born in an even or odd year.  If born in an even year, your license will always expire in an even year and if born in an odd year, it will always expire in an odd year.  Example:  You were born November 12, 1989.  Your license will always expire November 30, of an odd year.

See “When does my license expire” above.  Unless you and “Susie” were born in the same month, your licenses will expire in different months and if “Susie” was born in an odd year and you in an even year, then they will expire in different years.

 It will take 10-14 days to process renewals submitted by mail.  The check is processed before the board office receives the renewal application.  The fastest way to renew is to renew online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/licensure.html and click on Licensure Renewal.  If anything is missing or you have not completed the Jurisprudence Exam for this renewal period, your renewal application cannot be approved.

Once an application is received, all documents submitted are reviewed and if additional documents are needed, you will be notified.  Until all documents are received and the application file is reviewed and approved by the board consultant, the license will not be issued.  If the consultant refers the application to the board, then it will not be reviewed until the next regularly scheduled board meeting.  You need to allow 4 – 8 weeks for processing and the initial review by the consultant.  This process can be shorter or longer depending on how long it takes for all documents to be received.

It takes at least 10-14 days to process renewal submitted by mail.  If you did not sign the renewal or indicated a name change but did not include supporting documents for your name change, it may take longer than 10-14 days.  Please notify us of your name change at least 2 weeks before you try to renew.  The fastest way to renew is to renew online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/licensure.html and click on Licensure Renewal.  If anything is missing or you have not completed the online Jurisprudence Exam for this renewal period, your application cannot be approved for renewal. 

 You can renew online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/licensure.html and click on Licensure Renewal.  You do not need a paper renewal application to renew online. Each licensee must complete the online Jurisprudence Exam as part of their renewal process each cycle. The exam page can be found on the linked Licensure page. 

To request a duplicate, you can complete the Application for Duplicate License which is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  There is a fee for a duplicate since they are re-printed.

To request a duplicate, you can complete the Application for Duplicate License which is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  There is a fee for a duplicate since they are re-printed.

  You need to request the verification in writing and there is no fee.  The written request must include your name, profession, license number and where the verification is to be mailed.  The request can be emailed or faxed to the board office.

 Please complete and submit a reinstatement application along with the required fee payment and supporting documentation.  The Reinstatement/Reactivation application is available on our website at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

For instructions to obtain a criminal background check, please go to:  https://www.tn.gov/health/health-professionals/criminal-background-check/cbc-instructions.html.

For applicants living out of state, please note that results are typically received quicker if fingerprints are electronically scanned; therefore, if you are going to be in Tennessee anytime during the application process or live close to the Tennessee border, it may be to your benefit to schedule a fingerprint scan rather than submitting a fingerprint card.

 You may verify the license of any health care practitioner or facility in Tennessee via our website at:

Individual:   https://apps.health.tn.gov/Licensure/                       

Facility:  https://apps.health.tn.gov/facilityListings/

You must obtain continuing education each two year cycle.  The cycles begin on January 1, of an odd year and end December 31 of an even year.

Dentists:  For every two-year period, two (2) hours of the forty (40) required hours must pertain to prescribing of controlled substances, which included the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines.

Dentists with Sedation or Anesthesia permits:  In addition to the above requirements, dentists with sedation or anesthesia permits are also required to obtain four (4) hours each cycle in the subject of sedation or anesthesia.  Permit holders must also verify they have all the equipment and drugs required for the permit during the audit.

Dental Hygienists:   For every two-year period, two (2) hours of the thirty (30) required hours must pertain to the subject of chemical dependency.

Dental Assistants:   For every two-year period, two (2) hours of the twenty-four (24) required hours must pertain to the subject of chemical dependency.

 There is no limit for dentists and dental assistants but dental hygienists can have no more than 50% online or web-based. 

  A random audit of continuing education hours is conducted each month.  You do not submit the documentation unless and until requested to do so during an audit.  You must retain documentation of attendance and completion of all continuing education courses and CPR, ACLS and/or PALS certification for a period of three (3) years from the end of the calendar year in which the course is completed.

 No, these courses can be taken online.

Dentist Questions

This is applicable to any dentist who has successfully completed one of the following examinations: Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) [formally Northeast Regional Board (NERB)], Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA). Please refer to Rule 0460-02-.01(1) & (2) and the Board’s policy on the ADEX examination for more information. The ADEX examination is accepted. Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) and Council of Interstate Testing Agency (CITA) examinations are accepted if it was the ADEX examination that was administered.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.  

This allows a dentist who is licensed in another state and has actively practiced or taught for at least five (5) years to be considered for licensure without taking a regional examination. Applicants who have practiced or taught for at least two (2) years BUT less than five (5) years must request the examination scores, a copy of the candidate handbook for the exam taken and any additional information requested by the Board be submitted directly from the examination agency. Any accepted regional examination must never have been failed without subsequently retaking and passing to qualify by criteria approval. Please refer to Rule 0460-02-.01(1) & (3) for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.  

This is applicable to a dentist who is licensed in Tennessee as a Medical Doctor and who possesses an active dental license which is in good standing in at least one (1) other state. You may use the Application for Licensure as a Dentist as the Dual Degree Licensure application. However, the supporting documentation is different and you must apply for your specialty certification at the same time you apply for your dual degree license. Please refer to Rule 0460-02-.02 for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.  

This is applicable to a dentist who graduated from a non-ADA accredited program with a degree substantially equivalent to either a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree and has successfully completed a graduate training program in a recognized specialty branch of dentistry from an advanced specialty program accredited by the ADA. This type of license limits the practice location to ADA accredited institutions, dental education programs or in federally-designated health professional shortage areas. Proof of employment to practice in any of these locations is required upon initial application and subsequent renewal of this license. This type of licensure requires a special type of application. Please refer to Rule 0460-02-.03(1) & (2) for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.  

This is applicable to a dentist licensed in another state and who will be teaching in a dental educational institute. This type of license limits the practice location to programs offered by the educational institution. Upon termination of faculty appointment, the license is void. This type of licensure requires a special type of application. Please refer to Rule 0460-02-.03 (1) & (3) for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.  

Please refer to Rule 0460-02-.13.  The applications for both of these types of licenses is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

Currently the SRTA, WREB, CRDTS, CDCA (ADEX) and CITA (ADEX) clinical exams are accepted for licensure by examination. 

·         Applicants for licensure by exam, criteria and for limited licenses must also have successfully completed the National Board examination. 

·         Applicants for educational limited licensure or dual degree licensure are not required to have completed either the National Board of any of the clinical examinations.  

·         Applicants for licensure by criteria, limited, limited educational or dual degree must have passed any of the national board and/or clinical examinations they attempted even if that examination is not required for licensure.

Starting in 2018, the Jurisprudence exam  became a requirement for all applicants for initial registration, reinstatement, reactivation and renewal. The Jurisprudence exam is required to be completed every renewal cycle.

 You will be sent a deficiency letter by mail or email after your application is reviewed.  Please allow us 10 to 14 days to review the application and send you the deficiency letter.  Please do not contact the board office five days after you mailed the application since we may not have reviewed it yet.  Application deficiencies can be viewed in the main screen within the online application system. Examinations (National, Regional, and the Jurisprudence) are manually added to the application system by board staff during the initial application review process. The examinations will appear as 'deficiencies' until the application is initially reviewed by staff.

Specialty Certification:  The statutes state that “No licensed dentist shall claim to the public to be a specialist, or be specially qualified in any particular branch of dentistry or to be giving special attention to any branch of dentistry, or claim to limit the dentist's practice to any branch of dentistry, until that dentist has complied with the additional requirements established by the board and has been issued a certificate by the board authorizing that dentist so to do.”   The specialties listed in the rules and statutes are:

(1)       Dental Anesthesiology 

(2)       Dental public Health

(3)       Endodontics

(4)       Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

(5)       Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery  

(6)       Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

(7)       Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

(8)        Oral Medicine

(9)        Orofacial Pain                

(10)      Pediatric dentistry (Pedodontics)      

(11)       Periodontics

(12)       Prosthodontics

(13)     Any other branch of dentistry hereafter recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association and approved by the board.

The statutes also state that oral and maxillofacial surgeons are held to the same standard of care as medical doctors and osteopathic physicians.  The application to apply for specialty certification is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

Sedation/Anesthesia Permits:  Dentistry must obtain a permit from the Board of Dentistry to administer conscious sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia. 

·         All antianxiety premedications and all sedation techniques (except nitrous oxide and oxygen) used for children age thirteen (13) and under require a comprehensive conscious sedation permit.

·         All dentists who apply for and hold a sedation or anesthesia permit must provide proof of ACLS certification or PALS certification. The certification must be maintained as long as the permit is active.

·         All dentists who hold a sedation or anesthesia permit must obtain four (4) hours of continuing education is the subject of sedation/anesthesia each continuing education cycle.

The permit applications are available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

Effective August 12, 2019 - Dental Facility Permits   The rule changes will require dentists who hold a sedation or anesthesia permit on the effective date of the rule to apply for a dental facility permit.

The application for the dental facility permit will need to be submitted to the board prior to the expiration of your dental license.  Only one dental facility permit is required per location.

The Board must approve any individual, organization or agency that inspects the dental facility. The approved individual, organization or agency will be posted on the board’s website for permit holders to access.

An inspection is not required when anesthesia/sedation is administered in a CODA accredited educational institution, hospital setting or federal facility.  Dentists may submit proof of successful completion of an AAOMS Office Anesthesia Evaluation in lieu of the on-site inspection required by the board.

Please read the attached rules carefully.  Before your dental license expires, you will need to apply for the dental facility permit unless an associate or partner in the facility has already applied for the permit that your location.  Each location where sedation/anesthesia is administered is required to obtain a dental facility permit unless the location is a CODA accredited institution, hospital setting or federal facility.

Dentists who practice as a mobile dental anesthesia provider must also apply for a dental facility permit however the inspection is only of the mobile dental anesthesia provider’s equipment and drugs.

If you currently work with or know an individual, organization or agency that provides offices inspections, you may submit their name and contact number for the board to consider for approval.

The application to apply for a dental facility permit  can be located on the board’s website at: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

Dentists who hold a sedation permit but no longer wish to use the permit, may retire the permit by emailing the board office at dental.health@tn.gov or call 615-532-5073.

A dental facility permit is required of the office where an anesthesia/sedation permit holder practices dentistry and provides anesthesia/sedation services.   If you have a permit but are not practicing in the state of Tennessee you do not need a dental facility permit.   If you are found to be practicing sedation at a dental facility in the state of Tennessee without the required permit you will be turned over to the Office of Investigations and Office of General Counsel for formal disciplinary action and civil penalties.

Dental Hygiene Questions

 This is applicable to any dental hygienist who has successfully completed one of the following examinations:  Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) [formally Northeast Regional Board (NERB)], Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA.  Please refer to Rule 0460-03-.01 and the Board’s policy on the ADEX examination for more information.  Council of Interstate Testing Agency (CITA) examination is accepted if it was the ADEX examination that was administered.  Please refer to Rule 0460-03-.01 for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.

This allows a dental hygienist who is licensed in another state and has actively practiced for three (3) of the preceding five (5) years to be considered for licensure without taking a regional examination.  Any accepted regional examination must never have been failed to qualify by criteria approval.  Please refer to Rule 0460-03-.02 for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.

 This is applicable to a dental hygienist licensed in another state and who will be teaching in a dental hygiene educational institute.  This type of license limits the practice location to programs offered by the educational institution.  Upon termination of faculty appointment the license is void.  This type of licensure requires a special type of application.  Please request this application from our office.  Please refer to Rule 0460-03-.03 for more information.

·         The instructions are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

·         The application is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.

Please refer to Rule 0460-03-.11.  The application for this type of license is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.

Currently the SRTA, WREB, CRDTS, CDCA (ADEX) and CITA (ADEX) clinical exams are accepted for licensure by examination. 

Starting in 2018, a Jurisprudence exam became a requirement for all applicants for initial registration, reinstatement, reactivation and renewal. The exam must be completed for every renewal cycle, or the renewal application cannot be approved. 

You will be sent a deficiency letter by mail or email after your application is reviewed.  Please allow us 10 to 14 days to review the application and send you the deficiency letter.  Please do not contact the board office five days after you mailed the application since we may not have reviewed it yet. Application deficiencies can be viewed in the main screen within the online application system.  

The scope of practice for dental hygienist is in Rule 0460-03-.09.  The scope of practice also lists procedures that require an additional certification from the board and the prohibited procedures.  The rules are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/statutes-and-rules.html.

Please refer to T.C.A. 63-5-108(c) and T.C.A 63-5-115(b) and (d).  The application to practice under written protocol is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  There is no application to practice under general supervision if you meet the requirements of the statute.  Please be aware that some procedures cannot be performed under general supervision and/or written protocol.

Local Anesthesia Certification:  This certification must be added to your dental hygiene license prior to administering local anesthesia. 

·         If you took a local anesthesia course in another state and it was not within your CODA accredited dental hygiene program, then the course must be equivalent to the course required in Tennessee.  A letter of completion indicating the course was taught to clinical competency, the number of hours in the course and the curriculum for the course must be submitted directly to the board office from the course for review by the board.

o    If your course is not equivalent, you will be required to complete a Tennessee board approved course and be issued a temporary permit to administer the required injections.

·         If you completed the course within your CODA accredited dental hygiene program, then the program must submit a letter of completion indicating the course was taught to clinical competency.  The letter must be submitted directly to the board office from the program.

·         If you complete a Tennessee board approved course, once your application and the course completion letter are received, you will be issued a temporary permit to administer the required injections.  Once the required injections are completed, you will need to submit the injection form and it will be reviewed by the consultant before the local anesthesia certification is added to your license.  The board approved courses are listed online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/educational-programs.html.

Administering and Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide Certification:  This certification must be added to your dental hygiene license prior to administering and/or monitoring nitrous oxide. 

·         If you took a administering and monitoring nitrous oxide course in another state or a course within your CODA accredited dental hygiene program, then the course must be equivalent to the course required in Tennessee.  A letter of completion, the number of hours in the course and the curriculum for the course must be submitted directly to the board office from the course for review by the board.

o    If your course is not equivalent, you will be required to take a Tennessee board approved course.

·         If you completed the course within your CODA accredited dental hygiene program and it was also approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to provide the course, then the program must submit a letter of course completion directly to the board office.

·         If you complete a Tennessee board approved course, the course provider will submit a letter of completion to the board office.  Once the letter is received and reviewed by the consultant the certification will be added to your license.  There is no application for administering and monitoring of nitrous oxide.  The board approved courses are listed online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/educational-programs.html.

Restorative or Prosthetic Certification:  Both of these certification require that the dental hygienist have a minimum of two (2) years continuous full-time employment within the past three (3) years in a dental practice as a licensed dental hygienist before admission to a board-approved course in restorative and/or prosthetic functions.  The restorative course is 96 hours in length and the prosthetic course is 64 hours in length. 

·         Restorative is defined in the statute as inserting, packing, carving and finishing amalgam and intracoronal nonmetallic restorations.

·         Prosthetic is defined in the statute as taking final impressions for fixed and removable prosthetic appliances.

Once you complete the board approved course, the course provider will notify the board office that you successfully completed the course and the certification will be added to your license.  If you completed a comparable course in another state, the information regarding the content of the course, including the number of hours in the course and proof of completion must be sent directly for the course provider to the board office.  It will then be reviewed for equivalency.  If it is not equivalent, you will be required to take the board approved course before the certification is added to your license.  Please refer to Rule 0460-03-.10 for more information, including the prohibited procedures.  The board approved courses are listed online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/educational-programs.html.

Dental Assistant Questions

You just need to apply for the registration. No education other than graduation from high school or a GED is required to apply to be registered.

·         The application with instructions, is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application is an online application that you can attach certain documents to before submitting.  You can pay the required application fees online by credit card, debit card or e-check.

The applications to apply for the certifications are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application to apply sealants is a separate application. Dental assistants can add the following certifications to their registration:

·                     Dental Radiology (to expose radiographs)

·                     Nitrous Oxide Monitoring

·                     Coronal Polishing

·                     Sealant Application

·                     Expanded Restorative Functions

·                     Expanded Prosthetic Functions

I need an application for dental radiology certification or sealant certification, etc. The certification applications are online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/applications.html.  The application must be completed and submitted to the Board's Administrative Office along with the $15.00 certification fee for each certification that you are applying for.  The course provider will send proof of course completion directly to the Board’s office if you have completed a course that is located in Tennessee.  Most applicants for sealant application certification must complete an externship before the certification will be added.  If you completed a course in another state for any of the certifications that you want the board to consider acceptance of, then documentation, including the curriculum from the course must be submitted from the course provider. 

Starting in  2018, the Jurisprudence exam became a requirement for all applicants for initial registration, reinstatement, reactivation and renewal. 

You will be sent a deficiency letter by mail or email after your application is reviewed.  Please allow us 10 to 14 days to review the application and send you the deficiency letter.  Please do not contact the board office five days after you mailed the application since we may not have reviewed it yet.  Application deficiencies can be viewed in the main screen within the online application system after logging into your account.  

The total fee is $32.50 for the initial application.

A list of accredited and board approved dental assisting program is online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/educational-programs.html.  A list of the board approved certification course providers is also listed at that site.

The scope of practice for dental assistants (practical and registered) is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/statutes-and-rules.html in rule 0460-04-.08.  The scope of practice also lists the procedures that require additional certifications and procedures that are prohibited.

No, the statute prohibits dental assistants (practical and registered) from practicing without the dentist present in the office.  Dental assistants can only practice under direct supervision.  Direct supervision is defined in T.C.A. 63-5-115 which is available online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/dentistry-board/dentistry-board/statutes-and-rules.html

Policies, Rules, & Statutes

Policies

Continuing Education

Programs and Courses

Equipment and Drug List

Prescribing

Scope of Practice

Renewal and Lapsed License

General

Rules

Click here for Rules and Regulations pertaining to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry

Dental Facility Permit Application (PH-4348)

List of Approved Dental Facility Inspectors

Statutes

Statutes are proposed and made law by the Tennessee State General Assembly (Legislature). The Board, following specific notice requirements and hearings, adopts rules. Both have the force of law and may be used in the regulation of a profession. The statutes pertaining to this Board are found at T. C. A. 63-1 (Division of Health Related Boards) and T.C.A. 63-5 (Dentists).

Click here to review the Tennessee Code Annotated. (This link will take you to a website that is not maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health).

Applying for Licensure

Notification of January 2026 Fee Increase

T.C.A. § 4-29-121 requires all health-related boards to remain fiscally self-sufficient. To comply with this statute and ensure the board does not operate at a deficit, the Board of Dentistry held a rulemaking on July 10, 2025. At this rulemaking hearing, the board voted to increase the following fees listed below. The fee increase has been reviewed and approved by the Government Operations Committee and will be effective on January 13, 2026. A link to the rules can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules_filings/10-15-25.pdf.

 Any licensee with open renewal application who pays their renewal fee before the rule effective date of January 13, 2026, will pay the current renewal fee. Any licensee with an open renewal application who pays on or after January 13, 2026, will pay the increased renewal fee as listed in the linked rule filing document.

Licensure Information

Requests for verification of licensure to other states may be requested by email to dental.health@tn.gov.  Please provide your name, profession, license number and the mailing address for the other state board in the emailed request.

Renewal and Jurisprudence Exam Instructions

The renewal application is not generated until approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of the license.  The jurisprudence exam cannot be accessed until the application is generated.

The Board of Dentistry administrative office is receiving multiple calls and emails regarding the new renewal system and the jurisprudence examination.  Please read the following information to assist you in renewing and completing the exam.

Renewal:

♦     The first time you access the Licensure and Regulatory System site, you need to click on Begin Here For Sign-Up  to create your account.  This account is not the same account as the jurisprudence exam account.  Even if you renewed online in the past, if you have not accessed the new system since it begin March 23, 2018, then you will need to create an account.

       o   Make your User ID something that you will remember, such as your email address.

       o   If you applied for initial licensure online, you can use the same account you created to apply online to continue maintaining your license, including renewing.

♦     When you create your account, you must add your current license(s) to the account if you are already a licensee.  If you do not add your current license(s) to the account, you will not be given any option except to apply for a new license.

♦      After you create an account, please remember what User ID and Password that you used so you can access the system in the future.

       o   There is a Forgot password and Forgot user ID function if needed.

       o   Other features of the online system are:

           *  Change your addresses, include email addresses with the Change of Address application.

           *  Change your name with the Change of Name application.  You must attach your marriage certificate or divorce decree.

           *  Request a duplicate wall license or renewal certificate.

           *  Dentists can update their practitioner profiles.

           *  Dentists can apply for sedation or anesthesia permits.

           *  Dental assistants can apply for certifications to be added to their license.

           *  More applications will be added in the future.

       o   We cannot take debit/credit cards over the phone or in office.  You can pay online by debit/credit card or by e-check.

♦      If the Department of Revenue has notified the board that your privilege tax is unpaid, the board cannot renew your license until a tax clearance letter is received.  This only applied to dentists who did not pay the tax timely.   The Board cannot take payments for the Privilege Tax, you must contact the Department of Revenue at 615-741-7071.

♦     Can a third party manage my professional license?

       o   For this online system, only one account can be created for a professional license.  Once an account is created that links a professional license, the person creating the account will have access based upon the use id and password used to establish the account.  If done by a third party, the licensee, without knowledge of the user id and password, will not be able to manage their professional license using this online system.  During business hours, you can contact your board to disassociate your license from an online account established by a third party.   However, weekends and holidays may be particularly problematic  if you do not know the account details to manage your license through this online system.  We do not advise management of  your professional license by a third party. The law requires a licensee to maintain current information with their licensure  board.  Failure to do so could result in a disciplinary action by the board.

Jurisprudence Exam:

♦     All dental professionals must complete the exam before your license will be renewed, reinstated/reactivated or issued initially.

♦     The jurisprudence exam is on the statutes, rules and regulations for the dental professions.

♦     It is an “open book” exam with a link to the statutes, rules and regulations that can be accessed while you take the exam.

♦     Until the Jurisprudence exam is completed, your license will not be renewed.

       o   The Jurisprudence exam cannot be taken until 60-65 days prior to your expiration date.

       o   Exam completions will not be recorded in the license system until the next business day after completion of the exam.

       o   The jurisprudence exam is not a pass or fail exam, you just have to get a total of 25 questions correct.  Upon completion you will get a screen saying “congratulations, you have successfully completed the exam” which means they have completed the exam. If you do not get that screen, you are not finished.  

            *  You do not need to contact the board office to find out if you passed.  If you do not receive the “congratulations” screen, then you have not completed the exam.  There is no “score” for the exam, just completion by correctly answering 25 questions.

            *  There have been several licensees that have called and want board staff to help them answer the exam questions.  We will not assist in answering the questions.  Each exam question has the statute or rule that the question is from listed so you can look up the answers yourself.

            *  If you have two active licenses (i.e. dental hygiene and dental assistant) then you will need to complete the exam twice.  Some questions are general questions that apply to all professions but the majority of the questions are profession specific.

♦     You do not need to fax, email, or mail us that confirmation screen.  We receive the results for those that completed the exam on  the next business day.

♦     The exam system will email you and it will include your password.  Your email address is your username.  The exam system is a separate system from the renewal system and passwords are not the same.

♦     The password includes your license number.  License numbers are 3 – 5 numbers in length, depending on how long you have been licensed.  Do not include the leading “0’s” in the license number.

♦      If the link to the exam is not working, or if you have made too many attempts to log-in to the exam with the link in the exam email, you need to go to Jurisprudence Exam link above and attempt to access the exam from that page.

♦     The jurisprudence exam must be taken online.  There is no “paper” version of the exam.

This Page Last Updated: March 30, 2026 at 3:24 PM