Looking to start or continue your dental career in Ohio? Whether you’re applying for your first license or updating your existing one, this guide is your essential resource.
Ohio is home to over 7,000 dentists, where stringent licensing is key to high-quality care. The Ohio Board of Dentistry meticulously manages this process, ensuring that all dental professionals meet the state’s high standards for safety and competence.
From your initial application to meeting ongoing educational requirements and managing your license renewal, the Board upholds strict regulations to maintain the integrity of dental practices statewide.
In this blog, we’ll guide you in detail on how to obtain and maintain your license, helping you navigate the requirements and procedures efficiently.
Let’s start!
What’s on this page:
Ohio Board of Dentistry: At A Glance
The Ohio Board of Dentistry regulates and oversees the licensing of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in the state of Ohio. This board ensures that dental professionals adhere to the highest standards of practice to safeguard public health.
Their responsibilities extend to issuing licenses, enforcing continuing education requirements, and managing professional conduct within the dental community. The board also handles complaints and disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with state dental laws and regulations.
Contact Information
- Address: Ohio State Dental Board, 77 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-6135
- Phone: (614) 466-2580
- Website: Ohio State Dental Board
What is the Ohio Board of Dentistry Responsible for?
The Ohio State Dental Board’s responsibilities include a variety of roles and duties that ensure public safety and professional standards are maintained in the dental field. Here’s a summary of the key responsibilities of the Ohio State Dental Board:
- Licensing and Certification: The board issues licenses to dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, ensuring that only qualified individuals who meet the required educational and professional standards are permitted to practice.
- Regulation of Practice: The board sets and enforces regulations that govern the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting. This includes defining the scope of practice for each category and the standards for professional conduct.
- Disciplinary Actions: The board has the authority to investigate complaints and conduct hearings concerning violations of dental practice laws and regulations. It can impose disciplinary measures such as fines, license suspensions, or revocations when necessary.
- Public Safety and Protection: A significant responsibility of the board is to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring that dental professionals comply with state laws and regulations. The board also provides a mechanism for the public to file complaints against dental practitioners.
- Education and Continuing Education: The board approves educational programs for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. It also sets requirements for continuing education to ensure that dental professionals stay current with advancements in dental science and practice.
Ohio Board of Dentistry Lookup
To verify a dentist’s license in Ohio, head over to the Ohio Department of Health’s eLicense Ohio portal. There, you can utilize the “License Look-Up” feature, which allows you to enter either the name or license number of a dentist.
Choose “Dental Board” from the dropdown menu to ensure the search is specific to dentists. This verification process provides critical details such as license status, expiration dates, and any disciplinary actions, essential for confirming that a dentist meets the required professional standards.
Additionally, platforms like Heartbeat AI offer a simplified alternative for checking up-to-date credentials of dental professionals in Ohio.
Ohio Board of Dentistry License Requirements
Here are the license requirements for dentists in Ohio:
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Completion of a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Dental hygienists must complete an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Passing scores on both parts of the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE).
- Successful completion of a regional clinical examination accepted by the Ohio State Dental Board.
- Dental hygienists need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
- Proof of completing an Ohio jurisprudence exam.
- Submission of an application with the required fee to the Ohio State Dental Board.
- Completion of a criminal background check.
- Current CPR certification from an approved provider.
How to Get an Ohio Board of Dentistry License
To obtain an OH Board of Dentistry License, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Program
Enroll in and graduate from a dental program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This program should provide comprehensive training in both theoretical and clinical dental practices.
Step 2: Pass Required Examinations
Successfully pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) Part I and Part II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), which assesses your dental knowledge and skills. Additionally, dental hygienists must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) to assess their specific competencies.
Step 3: Apply for Licensure
Submit your licensure application to the Ohio State Dental Board. This application should include proof of your educational qualifications, exam results, a recent photograph, and the required fees. Ensure all parts of your application are complete to avoid delays.
Step 4: Background Check
Complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. This is a mandatory step for all healthcare professionals seeking licensure in Ohio and is crucial for verifying your suitability to practice dentistry.
Step 5: CPR Certification
Obtain and maintain a current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers or an equivalent CPR certification. This certification must be kept current throughout your practice.
Step 6: Jurisprudence Examination
Pass the Ohio jurisprudence examination, which tests your knowledge of Ohio’s dental laws and regulations. This exam is usually required for initial licensure and may also be part of the renewal process.
Step 7: Await License Issuance
Once your application is complete, and all examinations and checks are successfully passed, the Ohio State Dental Board will issue your dental license, permitting you to practice dentistry in Ohio.
Ohio Dentistry Board Licensure Time Frame
The licensure process for the Ohio Dentistry Board can vary in length, depending on several factors. Once a complete application, including all necessary documentation and fees, is submitted, the initial review by the Board takes about 3-5 business days.
However, processing the entire application may take up to 20 calendar days. The exact duration can depend on factors such as the completeness of the application, the need for additional information, and the timing of the Board’s meetings to review applications.
Cost of Ohio Dentistry Board License
The Ohio State Dental Board outlines specific licensing fees for various types of dental practitioners, as listed on their official website. For dentists, the initial licensing fee varies $454.00 in even-numbered years and $267.00 in odd-numbered years, with a late fee of $127.00 if applicable.
For dental hygienists, the initial licensing fee in an even year is $184.00. These fees are part of the regulatory framework established by the board to ensure that all dental professionals meet Ohio’s standards for operation within the dental field.
Additionally, the fee for registering as an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary is set at $25.00, and there is a Limited Resident License available for $13.00, which is not renewable.
Ohio Board of Dentistry License Renewal
Renewing a dental license in Ohio involves a series of steps designed to ensure that dentists continue to meet the state’s requirements for practice. Here’s a detailed guide on how to renew your dentistry license in Ohio:
Step 1: Track Your Renewal Cycle
In Ohio, regardless of when your dental license was initially issued, it must be renewed by December 31st of every odd-numbered year. It’s important to keep track of this renewal cycle to avoid any lapse in licensure, which could affect your ability to practice legally.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education (CE) is a mandatory component of license renewal for dentists in Ohio. Dentists are required to complete 40 hours of approved CE every two years. This includes specific requirements such as 2 hours in infection control and one hour each in opioid prescribing and ethics. For more detailed information, you can check the Ohio State Dental Board’s website.
Step 3: Prepare for the Renewal Fee
The renewal fee for dentists in Ohio can vary, so it is recommended to check the latest fee directly on the Ohio State Dental Board’s website or by contacting the board.
Step 4: Submit the Renewal Application
You can submit your renewal application online through the eLicense Ohio portal. The process requires ensuring that all your personal and professional information is current and correctly entered.
Step 5: Submit the Application Before the Deadline
To avoid penalties or potential practice interruptions, make sure to submit your completed application and the required fee before the expiration of your current license. This is especially crucial since the deadline is aligned with your birth month.
Step 6: Confirmation of Renewal
After submitting your renewal application, you can generally track the status online. The Ohio State Dental Board will notify you once your renewal has been processed, confirming your licensure for another two years.
Ohio Board of Dentistry License Verification
To verify a dental license in Ohio, including those for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, you can use the online verification system provided by the Ohio State Dental Board. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:
Step 1: Visit the Ohio State Dental Board Website
Go to the official website of the Ohio State Dental Board. This is the primary resource for information regarding dental professionals in the state.
Step 2: Access the License Verification Section
On the homepage, look for a section or link labeled “License Verification” or something similar. This is typically found under a menu related to public resources or direct links on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter the Required Information
The verification tool will ask for specific information to search for the dental professional. You can typically search by name, license number, or other identifying details. Ensure the information you provide is accurate to get the correct results.
Step 4: Submit the Search
Click the search button to process your query. The system will check the details against the Ohio State Dental Board’s database.
Step 5: Review the Search Results
The results will display on the screen and typically include the professional’s license number, type, status (active, inactive, expired), and expiration dates. It may also show any disciplinary actions if applicable.
How Often Do Dentistry Licenses Need to be Renewed in Ohio?
In Ohio, dentistry licenses must be renewed biennially. The renewal deadline for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants who are certified to perform expanded functions is December 31st of odd-numbered years.
This renewal process requires practitioners to complete continuing education (CE) requirements to ensure they remain current with the latest practices and regulations in dentistry.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Dentistry License in Ohio?
Heartbeat AI can significantly facilitate the process of obtaining and renewing a dentistry license in Ohio. It utilizes a strong database and a suite of tools designed to enhance communication and accuracy. This integration helps simplify the licensing procedures effectively.
Here are the features of Heartbeat AI:
Access to a Vast Database
Heartbeat AI’s extensive database, which includes contact information for over 11 million healthcare professionals, can provide dentists with quick access to essential details for the Ohio State Dental Board.
Reliable Contact Information
By sourcing information from over 200 trusted providers, Heartbeat AI ensures the delivery of verified contact details. This is crucial for establishing reliable communication channels.
High Data Accuracy
The platform offers impressive accuracy rates, with 84% for cell phone numbers and 92% for email addresses. This high level of data accuracy is vital in ensuring that communications reach the correct person.
Targeted Search Capabilities
With the Heartbeat AI Prospector Tool, users can perform precise and extensive searches within a large database to locate specific information quickly and efficiently. This tool allows for detailed data segmentation useful for specific marketing campaigns and research projects and facilitates efficient lead generation by pinpointing relevant contacts and opportunities.
Networking Tools
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension effortlessly melds with your Chrome browser, providing quick access to its functionalities without switching from your current tasks. It enables direct data retrieval and simplifies processes by automating routine activities within the browser.
Conclusion
To conclude, in this blog, we have discussed how the Ohio Board of Dentistry oversees dental practices in Ohio. Dentists and dental hygienists must follow the board’s regulations to maintain their licenses and offer safe, superior dental care.
Heartbeat AI is a helpful tool for dentists looking to connect with their peers and navigate the licensing process more easily.
FAQs
How can I upgrade my dental assistant registration to a dental hygienist in Ohio?
To upgrade from a dental assistant to a dental hygienist in Ohio, you need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, along with any required state-specific exams.
How to file a complaint against a dentist through the Ohio Board of Dentistry?
To file a complaint against a dentist in Ohio, visit the Ohio State Dental Board’s website and look for the complaint form. You can usually download or fill out this form online. The form should be completed with all relevant details about the issue and submitted to the Board for review and investigation.
What should I do if my dental license is lost or stolen in Ohio?
If your dental license is lost or stolen in Ohio, you should immediately notify the Ohio State Dental Board. You will likely need to fill out a form to request a duplicate license and may be required to pay a fee. It’s important to report a lost or stolen license both to protect your identity and to ensure compliance with state regulations.
