Application and License Requirements

Please read all application instructions, and the laws and rules governing the practice of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Dental Radiography, before completing your application.

All applicants for dentist and dental hygienist licensure must successfully complete the
American Dental Licensing Examination (ADEX) prior to licensure. The ADEX
examination is administered by the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Inc.
(NERB). Applicants from dental and dental hygiene schools accredited by the American
Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation should view the NERB website
at www.nerb.org for information regarding examination dates and locations.

Applicants who wish to become licensed in Florida as dentists and dental hygienists, that
have not received a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree or dental hygiene degree from a school
accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation,
must obtain approval from the Florida Board of Dentistry prior to being allowed to
register for the ADEX examination. Such applicants will be registered and scheduled by
NERB only upon receipt of written notification from the Florida Board of Dentistry
regarding their eligibility. Scores for these individuals will only be reported to the State
of Florida.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES OF NON-ACCREDITED
DENTAL SCHOOLS SEEKING DENTAL LICENSURE IN FLORIDA
On March 23, 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed legislation effective immediately that
requires applicants to complete at least 2 consecutive academic years at a full-time
supplemental general dentistry program accredited by the American Dental Association
Commission on Dental Accreditation. This program must provide didactic and clinical
education at the level of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. program accredited by the American Dental
Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Applicants for licensure must complete all parts of the clinical and written examinations
within eighteen (18) months.

There is no deadline to apply to the Florida Board of Dentistry for licensure, however
approval to sit for the Laws and Rules Examination is given only upon receipt of the
appropriate licensure application.

Continuing Education: Click here for information regarding continuing education requirements for initial licensure.   It is also strongly recommended that you review all of the laws and rules regulating this profession.

Exam: The links below provide information about application deadlines and exam dates, locations and study guides.  Review the exam applications and licensure requirement documents located in the drop-down menus above for additional examination information and requirements.  

Examination Dates and Site and Candidate Information Booklets