The Michigan Board of Dentistry oversees more than 5,000 dental professionals to ensure they adhere to high standards, maintaining safe dental care for the residents of the state.
The Board is ready to support you whether you need to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, or understand the regulations that dentists must follow. To obtain a dentist’s license, you must meet specific requirements and submit an application.
This guide will clearly explain the dentist licensing process, helping you comply with state regulations. This information will be helpful whether you are beginning your career or looking to continue your practice in Michigan. We’ll also discuss how Heartbeat AI will help you with verifying, renewing and obtaining a dentistry license in Michigan.
What’s on this page:
Michigan Board of Dentistry: At A Glance
The Michigan Board of Dentistry is the organization responsible for overseeing dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in Michigan to ensure they perform their duties correctly. They issue licenses to these professionals and make sure they adhere to regulations to protect your safety.
If there are complaints against a dental professional, the Board investigates and can take necessary actions. Additionally, they approve dental training programs and courses to help these professionals enhance their skills. This ensures that when you visit a dentist, you receive care from someone who is competent and trustworthy.
Contact Information
- Address: 611 W. Ottawa, P.O. Box 30004, Lansing, MI 48909
- Phone: 517-335-9700
- Website: Michigan Board of Dentistry
What is the Michigan Board of Dentistry Responsible for?
The Michigan Board of Dentistry is responsible for several key functions related to the oversight and regulation of dental professionals within the state. Here are the primary responsibilities of the Board:
- Licensing: The Board issues licenses to qualified applicants who meet the educational and examination requirements for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other dental professionals.
- Regulation: It sets and enforces standards for practicing dentistry in Michigan to ensure that dental services are provided safely and competently.
- Examinations: The Board oversees the administration of licensing examinations for dental professionals.
- Continuing Education: It mandates and monitors continuing education for dental professionals to ensure they remain knowledgeable about current practices and technologies in dentistry.
- Discipline: The Board has the authority to investigate complaints against dental professionals and can take disciplinary actions, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses, to address violations of dental practice standards or ethical breaches.
- Policy Development: The Board develops policies and rules that govern the practice of dentistry within Michigan, aiming to improve the overall quality of dental care.
Michigan Board of Dentistry License Lookup
To check for a dentistry license in Michigan, you should visit the official website of the Michigan Dental Board. Once there, find the section titled “License Verification.” This feature allows you to look up a dentist by entering their name or license number.
The search results will show important information about the dentist’s license, such as its current status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions taken. Verifying the license of a dentist is important to ensure they are properly qualified and adhere to professional standards.
If you prefer a more user-friendly method to access current information on dental professionals in Michigan, platforms like Heartbeat AI provide a convenient option. These services allow you to easily verify the credentials of dental care providers.
Michigan Board of Dentistry License Requirements
The requirements for getting a dentistry license in Michigan is given below.
Requirements for Dentists:
- You have to be at least 18 years old.
- Graduating from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission.
- To qualify for a dental license by endorsement in Michigan, an applicant must have held a previous dental license in good standing.
- Applicants must have current certification in basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) with practical, hands-on training from an organization meeting American Heart Association standards. The certification must be recent, within the last two years.
- Applicants must pass certain required exams. The exams can be conducted by CDCA-WREB-CITA or another regional testing agency. Only exams approved by ADEX are accepted.
Requirement for Dental Hygienists:
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting program,
- Hold a high school diploma/GED and have 3,500 hours of approved work experience,
- Have previously earned a CDA from the DANB, completed a CODA-accredited DDS or DMI program, or received a dental degree from a foreign university.
How to Get a Michigan Board of Dentistry License
To obtain a dental license from the Michigan Dentistry Board, follow these straightforward steps:
Step 1: Complete Educational Requirements
Start by finishing your dental education at a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This is necessary for dentists, dental hygienists, and some dental assistants.
Step 2: Pass Required Exams
To become a dentist in Michigan, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and a Board-approved clinical exam.
Dental hygienists need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical exam. The requirements for dental assistants vary; some may need to pass particular exams or have specific certifications based on their job duties.
Step 3: Submit Your Michigan Board of Dentistry License Application
Fill out and submit your application to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Include all required documents, such as evidence of your education, exam results, and any other pertinent information.
Step 4: Undergo a Background Check
You must pass a criminal background check before receiving your license. This ensures you have a clean record and are suitable for a license in this trusted field, helping to protect patients and maintain high standards in the dental community.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Submit the required fee with your application. This fee covers the costs of processing your application and maintaining records. Check the latest fee amount and acceptable payment methods.
Step 6: CPR Certification
Provide proof of current CPR certification. As a dental assistant, you must be ready to handle medical emergencies in the dental office.
Step 7: Additional Credentials
If you need to perform specialized tasks like using radiography equipment or administering nitrous oxide, you may need extra certifications. These ensure you are qualified for these specific duties and comply with Michigan’s regulations.
Step 8: Receive Your License
Once your application is reviewed and approved by the Michigan Board of Dentistry, you will receive your license. You can then legally work as a dental professional in Michigan.
Michigan Dentistry Board Licensure Time Frame
A new dental license application in Michigan can take between six to eight weeks to process. If your paperwork is correctly submitted, you may receive your license more quickly. Therefore, it’s important to fill out the application accurately to ensure a smooth licensing process.
When it’s about the dental assistants license, you can ask questions about the licensure status three weeks after the application has been submitted. The process may take around 6-8 weeks. And applications that are submitted without the required licensing fee, the applicant’s signature, and date will be returned.
Cost of Michigan Dentistry Board License
For dentists obtaining their license by endorsement or by examination, the fee is $322.40. If a dentist is applying for relicensure, the cost is slightly higher at $342.40. Additionally, obtaining a Controlled Substance License requires a fee of $259.10.
For those renewing their licenses, the fee for a dentist’s renewal application is $296.40. Meanwhile, renewing a Controlled Substance License costs $248.10.
Additionally, the renewal fee for a dentist’s license is set at $296.40. For those holding a Controlled Substance License, the renewal fee is $248.10. These fees are required to maintain active and compliant licensing statuses in the state.
Michigan Board of Dentistry License Renewal
Renewing your dental license in Michigan is a clear and straightforward process. Here’s a simple guide to ensure your license remains active:
Step 1: Know Your Renewal Date
In Michigan, dental licenses must be renewed every two years. Keep track of your renewal date to prevent any disruptions in your practice.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Education
Michigan requires dentists and dental hygienists to complete certain continuing education (CE) hours to renew their licenses. Check the Michigan Board of Dentistry’s website to find out the specific requirements.
Step 3: Prepare to Pay the Renewal Fee
The renewal fee varies by license type. Ensure you know the amount and are ready to pay it when it’s time to renew.
Step 4: Fill Out the Renewal Application
Visit the Michigan Board of Dentistry’s website to access and complete your renewal application. This process is typically done online for convenience.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Fee
Make sure to submit your application and the renewal fee by the deadline. If you’re late, you might face additional fees or risk your license expiring.
Step 6: Wait for Renewal Confirmation
After your submission, the Board will process your renewal. They will notify you once your license is successfully renewed.
Step 7: Stay Informed
Regularly check the Michigan Board of Dentistry’s website for any updates to the renewal process, fees, or CE requirements to ensure you remain compliant.
Michigan Board of Dentistry License Verification
Let’s take a detailed look at how to verify a dentistry license in Michigan.
Step 1: Visit the Michigan Dental Board’s Website
Begin by accessing the official website of the Michigan Board of Dentistry. This website hosts a variety of online services, including the ability to check the license status of dental professionals.
Step 2: Go to the License Verification Area
On the homepage, navigate to a section typically labeled “License Verification” or “Verify a License.” This dedicated area allows users to perform searches to confirm the licensing status of dental professionals in Michigan.
Step 3: Enter the Needed Details
To locate a specific licensee, you will need to provide some essential information. This includes the dentist’s full name (both first and last name). If available, you can also enter their license number to narrow down the search results.
Step 4: Look Over the Results
After submitting your search, the results will display key information about the licensee. This usually includes their full name, any aliases they might use, their license number, the type of license they hold (such as General Dentist or Dental Hygienist), and the issue and expiration dates of the license. Carefully review this information to ensure that the dental professional’s credentials are current and meet the standards required for your purposes.
Step 5: Record or Save the Verification
For those who need to maintain a record of the license verification, the website typically provides options to print the results or save them as a PDF file. This feature is useful for documentation purposes, whether for personal reference or to comply with regulatory requirements.
Step 6: Contact the Board for More Information
If you require additional information or if there are discrepancies in the information provided, do not hesitate to contact the Michigan Board of Dentistry directly. They can offer further assistance, provide detailed explanations, and address any concerns you might have regarding the verification process.
How Often Do Dentistry Licenses Need to be Renewed in Michigan?
In Michigan, dentists are required to renew their licenses every three years. The renewal date is based on the original date when the dentist was first licensed. As part of the renewal process, dentists must confirm that they have complied with the state’s continuing education (CE) requirements.
They need to keep records of their continuing education activities and maintain current CPR certifications for the past three years, as per state guidelines. This ensures that they are up to date with their professional knowledge and skills.
For the three-year renewal of their license, dentists in Michigan have specific requirements for Continuing Education (CE):
- Dentists can earn up to 10 hours of CE by reading articles or magazines related to dentistry. They should keep a record of what they read, save the articles if possible, and note how long each reading session took.
- At least 20 hours of CE must be completed in a classroom setting, at an in-person seminar, or by participating in a live webinar that includes an interactive component. Recorded webinars do not count towards this classroom credit.
- Up to 30 hours of CE can be completed online, including through recorded webinars. However, these courses must be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), or the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
- Of the total 60 required credits, three hours must focus on pain management.
- Additionally, one hour must cover dental ethics and jurisprudence, including topics on the delegation of duties to allied dental personnel.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Dentistry License in Michigan?
Heartbeat AI is a tool that helps you find contact information for healthcare professionals in Michigan, although it doesn’t directly assist with the licensing process. Here’s a closer look at what Heartbeat AI offers:
Extensive Database Access
Heartbeat AI grants access to a vast database with details on over 11 million healthcare workers in the U.S. And all this information is easy to access; hence, you can build your network within the dentistry sector effortlessly.
Latest Data Updates
The platform collects information from more than 200 trusted sources, providing dentists with the most recent contact details. You’ll get details such as email addresses and phone numbers, which is crucial for keeping up with changes in licensing requirements.
High Data Accuracy
Heartbeat AI uses advanced methods to maintain maximum data accuracy while creating an email directory. Therefore, you can easily expand your network by connecting with the right professionals.
Simplified Professional Networking
With the Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension, dentists in Michigan can seamlessly connect with other industry professionals. It’s useful for getting guidance, job opportunities, or finding mentors.
Advanced Search Capabilities
The Prospector Tool allows users to search for healthcare workers by location, specialty, and experience, aiding in the licensing or renewal processes
Reliable Contact Verification
Heartbeat AI also has the File Upload feature that validates and corrects contact lists to ensure they are accurate and useful for effective communication. You can utilize it for professional or personal networking purposes, whichever you prefer.
Conclusion
The Michigan Board of Dentistry plays an essential role in regulating dentists and dental practices within the state, ensuring that all regulations are followed to maintain public safety and health. All dental professionals in Michigan must adhere to the board’s regulations to maintain their licenses. Understanding this will help you manage your licensing without any issues.
If you need an efficient method to access information about licensed dental professionals in Michigan, Heartbeat AI can assist. This platform simplifies the process of contacting healthcare professionals for any licensing inquiries you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if a dentist has any disciplinary actions or sanctions?
Information about disciplinary actions or sanctions against a dentist can be found on the LARA website under the disciplinary action reports section. You can search by the dentist’s name or license number to view any public disciplinary records.
What should I do if I lose my dental license certificate?
If you lose your dental license certificate in Michigan, you should contact the LARA to request a replacement. There may be a fee associated with issuing a new certificate, and you will need to provide identification and other relevant information to process your request.
Can foreign-trained dentists practice in Michigan?
Foreign-trained dentists can practice in Michigan, but they must first meet specific requirements set by the Michigan Dental Board. This typically includes passing the National Board Dental Examinations, obtaining a passing score on a clinical examination, and fulfilling any additional educational equivalency requirements.
