The Iowa Board of Dentistry (IA) has nine members. There are five dentists, two dental hygienists, and two people who represent the public. The Governor picks these members, and then the Iowa Senate approves them.
The Iowa Dental Board is in charge of setting rules and looking after dentists in Iowa. It helps to make sure dentists do their jobs right and follow the law. If you need a dentistry license in Iowa, you need to know what the board does.
This guide will show you how to get your dentistry license, how to renew it, and how to check if it’s still active in Iowa. We’ll also tell you about Heartbeat AI, a tool that makes getting and renewing your license easier. Keep reading to find out more about it.
What’s on this page:
Iowa Board of Dentistry: At A Glance
The Board of Dentistry Iowa regulates dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting in Iowa, ensuring professionals meet standards for licensure and practice. It disciplines violations, promotes public health and safety, and oversees educational and professional practice regulations, aiming to maintain high-quality dental care services.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: +1 515-281-5157
- Address: 6200 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
- Website: Iowa Board of Dentistry
What is the Iowa Board of Dentistry Responsible for?
The Iowa Board of Dentistry is responsible for:
- Licensing: Issuing licenses to qualified dentists and dental hygienists, and certifications for dental assistants.
- Regulation: Ensuring dental professionals adhere to professional standards and ethics.
- Enforcement: Taking disciplinary actions against those who violate laws and regulations governing dental practice.
- Oversight: Handling complaints and conducting investigations into professional conduct within the dental community.
- Standards Setting: Establishing educational and practice standards to ensure the public receives competent and ethical care.
Iowa Board of Dentistry License Lookup
To look up a dentistry license in Iowa, you can search online using the tool provided by the Iowa Dentistry Board. This tool is available on their website and supports searches by name, license number, or location. It simplifies the process of verifying the credentials of dental professionals.
Additionally, Heartbeat simplifies the process of confirming the licensing status of Iowa dentists. This platform grants straightforward access to current information on healthcare professionals, making it easy to verify a dentist’s credentials.
Are You Eligible for an Iowa Board of Dentistry License?
To be eligible for a dentistry license in Iowa, applicants need to fulfill a few critical criteria. First, they must have graduated from an accredited dental school. Following this, they are required to pass both national and state-specific exams (Particular degrees for different positions.)
These include clinical and jurisprudence exams. Additionally, maintaining a current CPR certification is necessary. Applicants also need to prove their good moral character.
The process concludes with the submission of all required documentation and the associated fees. For the most accurate and comprehensive guidance, reaching out directly to the Iowa Board of Dentistry is advisable.
Iowa Board of Dentistry License Requirements
To become licensed to practice dentistry in Iowa, graduates of a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene school must:
- Pass a board-approved clinical exam within the last five years.
- Apply for a license based on examination.
- Get an associate degree in dental hygiene.
- Clear the National, Clinical, and Iowa law exams.
- Apply for your license with the Iowa Dental Board.
- Keep up with ongoing education to maintain your license.
- Dental hygienists need to finish 30 hours of ongoing education for active status renewal.
- Every two years, dentists and dental hygienists must do at least 1 hour of study on Iowa law.
- Dentists prescribing pain relievers must take at least 1 hour of education on pain management every two years.
- The Iowa Dental Board mandates BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers, including AED training with hands-on practice.
How to Get an Iowa Board of Dentistry License?
To get an Iowa Board of Dentistry license, you must complete a set of steps that verify you meet the educational and professional standards to practice dentistry in Iowa. Here is a simplified guide to walk you through this process.
Step 1: Complete Your Dental Education
The first step in obtaining a license from the Iowa Board of Dentistry is to complete your dental education at an accredited dental school. This education must provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to practice dentistry. Make sure the program you choose is recognized by the American Dental Association (CODA).
Step 2: Pass the National Board Dental Examinations
In the dental field, the required exams for licensure vary by role: dentists need to pass the NBDE Part I and II, focusing on biomedical and dental sciences. Dental hygienists typically take the NBDHE, which assesses dental hygiene knowledge. Dental assistants’ requirements differ by state, with many opting for the DANB’s CDA exam, although not universally required.
Step 3: Obtain Clinical Examination Results
In addition to the NBDE, you must pass a clinical examination that evaluates your clinical and judgment skills. The Iowa Board of Dentistry recognizes exams conducted by regional testing agencies such as the (CRDTS). The clinical exam is hands-on and tests your ability to perform dental procedures safely and effectively.
Step 4: Submit the Iowa Board of Dentistry License Application
After meeting the educational, examination, and experience requirements, apply for licensure with the Iowa Board of Dentistry. This involves submitting the necessary application form and supporting documents.
Step 5: Pass the Jurisprudence Exam
The jurisprudence exam tests your knowledge of Iowa’s laws and regulations on dentistry. Passing this exam is crucial to ensure you understand your legal and ethical responsibilities.
Step 6: Complete the Licensure Process
Once your application is approved and you pass the jurisprudence exam, complete any remaining steps required by the board, such as paying licensing fees. You will then receive your Iowa dentistry license, allowing you to practice in the state.
Iowa Board of Dentistry Licensure Time Frame
Dentists and Dental Hygienists are required to complete at least 1 hour of training in infection control standards during every two-year licensing period. These standards are established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s important to note that the process of meeting these requirements can approximately take 3-4 months.
The Iowa Dental Board accepts clinical examination scores for up to five years from the date of successful passage. Graduates from a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene school are eligible.
They must have completed a board-approved clinical examination within the past five years. On this basis, they may apply for a dental or dental hygiene license in Iowa.
Cost of Iowa Board of Dentistry License?
In 2023, the Iowa Board of Dentistry established the following nonrefundable fees for various license applications:
- Dentist License Application Fee: $511, which includes the license fee, anesthesia permit fee, and background check fee.
- Dental Hygiene License Fee: $316, comprising the license fee, anesthesia permit fee, and background check fee.
- Dental Assistant Registration Fee (without Radiography Qualification): $125.
Iowa Board of Dentistry License Renewal
To renew your Iowa Board of Dentistry license, follow this step-by-step guide. The process is straightforward, and each step is explained to help you navigate through the renewal process with ease.
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Your license renewal date is important. Begin the renewal process early to dodge any late charges or issues. Typically, the Iowa Board of Dentistry sends out reminders, but it’s good practice to mark this date on your calendar as a personal reminder.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Before you can renew your license, make sure you have completed the required continuing education (CE) credits. The specific requirements vary depending on your specialty and license type. Visit the Iowa Board of Dentistry website to verify the CE credits you need to accumulate for your renewal.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Prepare all the necessary documents you need for the renewal. This may include proof of your completed CE credits, any updated personal information, and potentially documentation of any name changes or professional updates since your last renewal.
Step 4: Access the Online Renewal System
Go to the Iowa Board of Dentistry’s official website and locate the license renewal section. You will need to log in to your account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by providing your license number and other personal details.
Step 5: Complete the Renewal Application
Fill out the renewal application form carefully. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your contact information, professional details, and any changes in your practice or specialization.
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee
Once you finish filling out the form, you’ll need to pay a renewal charge. This cost changes based on the type of license you have. You can usually pay this fee online with a credit or debit card. Make sure to get a payment confirmation for your records.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Once you have filled out the application and paid the fee, review your application one last time to ensure accuracy. Submit your application once everything is in order. You’ll get an email or notification confirming that your application was received and is now being processed.
Step 8: Wait for Confirmation
After submitting your application, the Iowa Board of Dentistry will review it. This process can take some time, so be patient. After your renewal is accepted, you’ll get an official confirmation. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Iowa Board of Dentistry License Verification
To verify a dentist’s license in Iowa, you’ll need to follow a few steps to ensure the dentist is properly certified to practice. The process is straightforward and can be done by anyone looking to confirm the credentials of a dental professional in Iowa. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Visit the Iowa Dental Board Website
Begin by going to the Iowa Dental Board’s official website. It’s a place to find information on many dental matters, like checking if a license is valid. It is designed to be user-friendly and provides direct access to the information you need.
Step 2: Locate the License Verification Section
Once on the Iowa Dental Board’s website, look for the license verification section. This part of the site is dedicated to helping you find and verify the licensing information of dental professionals. The layout of the website is intuitive, so finding this section should not be difficult.
Step 3: Enter the Required Information
In the license verification section, you’ll be asked to provide specific details about the dentist whose license you want to verify. This usually includes the dentist’s name or license number. Make sure you have this information handy to make the process smoother.
Step 4: Submit the Verification Request
After entering the dentist’s details, submit your verification request. The website will process your inquiry and search through its database for a match. This step is automated and should only take a few moments.
Step 5: Review the License Information
Once your request has been processed, you’ll be presented with the license information for the dentist you inquired about. This information typically includes the dentist’s name, license number, status, and expiration date. Carefully review this information to ensure it matches the professional you are researching.
How Often Do Dentistry Licenses Need to be Renewed in Iowa?
In Iowa, dentistry licenses end on August 31 of each even year, while dental hygiene licenses finish on August 31 of each odd year. The two-year renewal period for both licenses runs from September 1 through August 31.
All fees associated with the renewal of these licenses are nonrefundable. This policy ensures that all applicants are aware of the financial commitment required when submitting their renewal applications.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Dentistry License in Iowa?
Heartbeat AI simplifies the process of obtaining and renewing a Dentistry license in Iowa by offering information about licensed dental professionals. Here’s why Heartbeat stands out:
Expansive Database
Heartbeat AI has an extensive database, with information on over 11 million healthcare professionals gathered from 200 sources. It uses smart guessing to find contact details. You can trust it to get cell phone numbers right 84% of the time and personal emails right 92% of the time on the first try.
Effortless Searching
The Prospector Tool on the platform makes it easy to search for healthcare workers. You can find them by location, specialty, and experience, which makes the tool user-friendly.
Instant Information Access
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension provides instant access to important information on medical websites. This means you don’t have to leave the site to find what you need.
Contact Information Verification
Heartbeat’s file upload feature lets you upload a contact list to check and fix wrong or missing details. This helps keep the database accurate and reliable.
Adaptable Pricing Options
Heartbeat AI has different pricing plans to match the budget and needs of many healthcare organizations. This makes it easier for more healthcare groups to use it.
Conclusion
The Iowa Board of Dentistry plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of dental care. It checks that dentists are qualified to do their job. If you need to get or update your dental license, you should know what steps to take and when.
It’s important to be prepared, whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before. Tools like Heartbeat AI can help you a lot. We give you information about dentists and make the process easier.
Frequently Asked Question
What actions can the Iowa Board of Dentistry take against a licensee for professional misconduct?
The Board can take different steps to correct someone, depending on how serious the mistake is. These actions include issuing warnings, fines, license suspension or revocation, and mandatory continuing education.
How do I change my name or address with the Iowa Board of Dentistry?
To change your name or address with the Iowa Board of Dentistry, you need to let them know about the change. You can usually do this through their website or by contacting their office for more details.
What is the role of the public member on the Iowa Board of Dentistry?
The public member of the Board represents the interests of the public at large. This role ensures that the Board’s actions and policies consider patient safety and welfare.
