The Alabama Board of Dental Examiners comprises seven members: six licensed dentists and one licensed dental hygienist. This board oversees the enforcement and administration of the laws and regulations related to dental practice in Alabama.
Alabama Board of Dentistry (AL) has strict rules for safe dental work and keeping dentist quality high, which includes giving out dental licenses.
However, this guide gives you a clear path to get and renew a dental license in Alabama, talking about the steps, time needed, costs, and how to keep your license good. Plus, it shows how Heartbeat can make the license process easier.
What’s on this page:
Alabama Board of Dentistry: At A Glance
The Alabama Board of Dentistry oversees the overall dental professionals all over the state. It sets standards for safe practice. The Board manages dental license issuance and renewal. This ensures dentists and hygienists meet Alabama’s standards. It also offers resources to help with the licensing process.
Here is how you can contact them and what they do:
Contact Information
- Phone Number: +1 205-985-7267
- Address: 2229 Rocky Ridge Rd, Birmingham, AL 35216, USA
- Website: Alabama Board of Dentistry
What is the Alabama Board of Dentistry Responsible for?
The Alabama Board of Dentistry is responsible for:
- Issuing licenses to qualified dentists and dental hygienists.
- Setting standards for dental education and continuing education requirements.
- Putting into practice the rules and guidelines that apply to dentistry.
- Investigating complaints against dental professionals.
- Taking disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Ensuring that dental professionals adhere to ethical and professional standards to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Alabama Board of Dentistry License Lookup
To look up a license issued by the Alabama Board of Dentistry, you can use their online license verification system. This tool is available on the Board’s official website and allows you to search for and verify the licensing status of dentists and dental hygienists practicing in Alabama.
The lookup feature typically requires you to input specific information such as the dental professional’s name or license number. It provides details on the license status, such as active, expired, or disciplinary actions, ensuring that patients and employers can confirm the credentials of dental healthcare providers.
Additionally, Heartbeat offers a detailed solution for checking the licensing status of Alabama dentists. This platform makes it easy to access current information on medical professionals, enabling confident verification of a dentist’s qualifications.
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Are You Eligible for a Alabama Board of Dentistry License?
To be eligible for a dental license from the Alabama Board of Dentistry, candidates must first achieve graduation from an accredited dental school. Following this, they are required to successfully pass both national and state-specific examinations.
Also, you must complete a jurisprudence exam that is tailored to Alabama’s dental laws. The licensure process also includes undergoing a thorough background check and maintaining a current CPR certification.
Lastly, applicants should carefully go through the application process, making sure to submit all required documents and pay the necessary fees. It is crucial for applicants to directly verify the most current requirements with the Alabama Board of Dentistry to ensure compliance.
Alabama Board of Dentistry License Requirements
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have been actively engaged in practicing clinical dentistry or clinical dental hygiene for either the past five years or for a total of 5,000 hours immediately before submitting your application.
- Be a United States citizen. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must be legally residing in the United States with valid documentation from the federal government.
- Completed a program in dentistry or dental hygiene that has approval from the CODA.
- Fulfill a requirement of 20 hours of continuing education (CE) annually, with up to 10 of those hours being achievable through correspondence or distance learning.
- If you possess permits for oral conscious sedation, you are required to complete at least 2 hours of continuing education in sedation and/or anesthesia every two years.
- Accept courses offered by NetCE for continuing education purposes.
How to Get an Alabama Board of Dentistry Licenses?
To get any license from the Alabama Board of Dentistry, follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete Dental Education
Start by enrolling in and completing a dental program at an institution accredited by the (CODA). This step is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to practice dentistry.
Step 2: Pass National Board Dental Examinations
After completing your dental education, you must pass the (NBDE) Part I and Part II. These tests check how well you know and understand dental sciences and hands-on dental practices.
Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination
In addition to the NBDE, you must pass a clinical examination administered by a recognized dental examining board. The (ADEX) Dental Examination is widely accepted. This step assesses your clinical skills and ability to provide safe and effective dental care.
Step 4: Submit the Alabama Board of Dentistry License Application
After you pass your exams, you can submit an application for a license to the Alabama Board of Dentistry. This involves filling out an application form, submitting proof of your education and examination scores, and paying the required fees. You may also need to provide letters of recommendation and undergo a background check.
Step 5: Obtain CPR Certification
Applicants for dental licensure in Alabama must also have a current certification in (CPR) from an approved provider. Ensure your certification is up to date when you submit your licensure application.
Step 6: Complete a Jurisprudence Examination
Alabama requires all dental license applicants to pass a state-specific jurisprudence examination. This test includes the rules and laws that control how dentistry is practiced in Alabama. It ensures that you understand your legal responsibilities as a dentist in the state.
Step 7: Attend the Board Meeting for License Issuance
Finally, you may be required to attend a meeting of the Alabama Board of Dentistry for the formal issuance of your license. This step might vary based on the board’s current requirements, so check the specific guidelines provided by the Alabama Board of Dentistry.
Alabama Board of Dentistry Licensure Time Frame
The Alabama Dental Examiners Board has announced that all dental licenses and permits they oversee expire every year on October 1st. It is important for practitioners to note that in order to remain compliant and continue practicing, they must renew their credentials before this deadline.
To facilitate this process, the Board requires that all renewal applications and associated payments be submitted via mail in preparation for the February session. This ensures that all paperwork is processed in a timely manner, allowing dentists to maintain their licenses without interruption.
Cost of Alabama Dentistry Board License?
As of June 2022, the following are the fee structures set by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners:
- Licensure for dentists: $2,500
- Licensure for dental hygienists: $350
- Permit for handling controlled substances: $100
- Permit for oral conscious sedation: $200
- Renewal fee for dental hygienists: $350
- Application fee for dental examination: $750
- Fee for undergoing the dental examination: $2,500
- Fee for materials needed for the dental examination: $500
- Annual fee for registration: $130
- Penalty fee for license reinstatement: Ranges from $250 to $500
Alabama Board of Dentistry License Renewal
Renewing your license in Alabama is an important process to ensure you can continue practicing without any legal issues. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand each step of the renewal process.
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Before you start the renewal process, it’s important to know when your current license expires. Alabama dentistry licenses need to be renewed by the end of September of the renewal year. Make sure you start the renewal process well in advance to avoid any last-minute problems.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Alabama requires dentists to complete continuing education (CE) credits to renew their licenses. You need to have completed these credits before you can renew. The specific number of credits and types of courses required can vary, so check the Alabama Board of Dentistry website for the most current information.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You may need to provide proof of your completed CE credits and other documentation, such as personal identification or a current resume. It’s smart to collect all necessary papers before beginning the online renewal to ensure a smooth process.
Step 4: Visit the Alabama Board of Dentistry Website
Go to the Alabama Board of Dentistry’s official website. Here you’ll find the link to the license renewal portal. This website is also a great resource for any updates on the renewal process or requirements.
Step 5: Sign in or Set Up a New Account
If you’ve renewed online before, you’ll likely have an account already. Log in with your credentials. If this is your first time renewing online, you’ll need to create an account. Follow the instructions on the site to set one up.
Step 6: Complete the Renewal Application
Once you’re logged in, find the section for license renewal and start your application. You’ll need to fill in various fields, possibly including personal information, professional details, and evidence of your CE credits.
Step 7: Pay the Renewal Fee
You’ll need to pay a fee to update your license. You can pay this fee online via the Alabama Board of Dentistry’s website. The exact fee will be mentioned there or on the renewal form.
Step 8: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the application and made the payment, double-check everything you’ve entered to ensure it’s accurate. Then, submit your application. You’ll receive a confirmation once it’s been successfully submitted.
Step 9: Keep Records of Your Renewal
It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your renewal confirmation and any other relevant documents. This can be helpful for your records and if any questions arise later about your renewal.
Step 10: Wait for Approval
The Alabama Board of Dentistry will review your application. Once approved, they’ll update your license status. This process can take some time, so be patient.
Alabama Board of Dentistry License Verification
Here’s a simple guide to help you verify a dental license with the Alabama Board of Dentistry.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Start by going to the official Alabama Board of Dentistry website. This is where all the information regarding dental licenses in Alabama is managed and provided.
Step 2: Look for the License Verification Section
Once you are on the homepage, search for a section or a link that says something like “License Verification” or “Verify a License”. This option is usually found in the main menu or among the quick links on the website.
Step 3: Enter the Required Details
After selecting the License Verification link, you’ll be taken to a new page to look up the dental license you wish to confirm. You might need to enter some information, such as the dentist’s name or license number.
Step 4: Submit Your Search
After entering the necessary details, look for a search button or icon and click on it to submit your query. This action will trigger the system to search for the license information based on the details you provided.
Step 5: Review the License Information
Once the system processes your search, it should display the information related to the dental license you are verifying. Check the details carefully to ensure they match the person or practice you are looking into. This information typically includes the dentist’s name, license status, and any disciplinary actions if applicable.
How Often Do Dental Licenses Need to be Renewed in Alabama?
Dental hygienists in Alabama are required to renew their licenses every year by October 1st. Under Alabama law, specifically section 34-9-15 of the Alabama Code, any dental license or permit will be suspended automatically if the holder does not renew their registration certificate by January 1st each year.
To renew this, they must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education.
The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama also mandates that if a dentist or dental hygienist is audited, they must provide records of their continuing education for the past two years.
Additionally, every dentist is required to complete at least one hour of continuing education on infectious disease control every two years.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Dentist License in Alabama?
While Heartbeat AI doesn’t directly aid in obtaining a license, it can streamline the process by providing information on healthcare professionals. By reaching out to licensed professionals, you can gain insights into licensing and renewal procedures.
Below is an overview of what it offers:
User-Friendly and Rich in Information
Heartbeat AI has a detailed database of more than 11 million healthcare workers, collecting information from 200 sources. It keeps contact details current, verifying phone numbers with 84% accuracy and email addresses with 92% accuracy from the get-go.
Advanced Searching Function
The Prospector Tool from Heartbeat AI makes finding healthcare professionals easy. It allows for searches based on location, specialty, and experience level.
Immediate Access to Information
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension offers fast access to important information on medical websites. With just a single click, key details are immediately accessible, removing the need to navigate away from the current page.
Contact Information Verification
Heartbeat AI provides a feature that allows you to upload and verify a contact list, ensuring any incorrect or missing contact details are addressed.
Adaptable Pricing Models
Heartbeat AI offers various pricing plans to suit the budget and needs of different medical organizations. This makes its advantages available to entities of all sizes.
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Conclusion
To wrap it up, the Alabama Board of Dentistry is very important for maintaining the quality of healthcare in Alabama state. This makes sure only people who know what they are doing can take care of your teeth.
If you want to get or renew your license, it’s important to know what you need to do and when. Whether it’s your first time or you’re doing it again, being prepared helps. However, tools like Heartbeat AI can make everything easier for you.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I practice in Alabama with a license from another state?
To practice in Alabama, you must have a license issued by the Alabama Board of Dentistry. Licenses from other states are not automatically transferrable, but you may apply for licensure by credentials if you meet certain criteria.
If my license is close to expiring and I haven’t received a reminder to renew it, what actions should I take?
If your license is nearly expired and you haven’t gotten a reminder, contact your local license office for steps to renew it. You might need to do this online, in person, or by mail. Check what documents and fees are needed. Don’t wait for a notice; act quickly to avoid problems.
Are there any special licensure provisions for military personnel or their spouses in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama may have provisions for expedited licensing or temporary practice permits for military personnel and their spouses. Check the Board’s website or contact them directly for specific information.
