dental licensing Archives - The Wealthy Dentist

Dental Licensing in the USA (Video)

October 18, 2020 By Jim Du Molin

Dental licensing often keeps dentists tethered to the state in which they are licensed. In contrast, Universal licensure by credentials would allow a dentist to practice throughout the country.

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey asking dentists if they are satisfied with the current system of dental licensing in the U.S.

Only one in five dentists say they like the dental licensing system as it stands. Fully 61% would prefer a universal system of licensure by credentials instead.

It’s no wonder. Dental licenses can truly impede a doctor’s freedom of movement.

Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey talk about what kind of licensing system U.S. dentists would like to see:

“I am licensed in 4 states, and it is truly a nightmare process! From fingerprinting to accounting for every month of my 35-year career, the system is broken.” Pennsylvania dentist

“Dental licensing should be national, not state-based, just like medical licenses,” declared a New York dentist. “Many states do not offer licensing by reciprocity, making licensing difficult for licensed dentists wanting to move to those states.”

“If a dentist is Board Certified in an ADA-recognized specialty, he/she should be able to practice that specialty in any state without taking a general dental licensing examination, as that individual has attained the highest level of professional scrutiny!” said a Pennsylvania oral surgeon.

What are your thoughts on universal dental licensing in the U.S.?

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: dental licensing, dental videos

Dental License Frustrations Among Dentists (video)

February 5, 2013 By Jim Du Molin

Dental licensing can be a major professional frustration among dentists. A dentist may feel tethered to their state by their dental license.

“I am licensed in 4 states, and it is truly a nightmare process!” lamented a Pennsylvania dentist. “From fingerprinting to accounting for every month of my 35-year dental career, the system is broken.”

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey asking dentists if they are satisfied with the current system of dental licensing in the U.S. Only one in five dentists say they like the dental licensing system as it stands.

Fully 61% would prefer a universal system of licensure by credentials instead.

Watch Jim Du Molin and Julie Frey discuss dental licenses in this video.

“I recently retired from my NY practice of 42 years and moved to NC where I wanted to practice part time,” said a general dentist. “The choices I had forced me to be retested on Jurisprudence and a sterilization/infection control exam. The entire process took well over a year. I had to be fingerprinted, obtain dental school scores, etc. I finally ended up with a limited volunteer license which allows me to volunteer my time at one of the state clinics. If I had wanted to get a regular license, I would have had to pay $3500 with the assurance from me that I would use the license within one year or forfeit it. Can’t there be a simpler way for a retired dentist to volunteer his time?”

What are your thoughts on dental licensure?

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: dental license, dental licensing, dental survey, dental survey videos, dentist, dentist survey, survey video

Should Anti-Amalgam Dentist Larry Hanus Get His Dental License Back?

July 31, 2007 By Jim Du Molin

Dr. Larry Hanus lost his dental license years ago for his outspoken anti-amalgam views (read more). Now he’s asking for it back. When asked if Iowa’s board should reinstate him, 57% of dentists in our most recent survey said no: there are other issues with Dr. Hanus besides his recommendation that patients replace all their amalgam fillings. The remaining 43% supported him, saying that dentists must be free to voice their health concerns, even if the ADA doesn’t like it.

Here are a few of the comments our dentists had to share:

“Dr. Hanus should have his license back ASAP.” (California dentist)
“Half truths are never good.” (Louisiana oral surgeon)
“These guys are quacks.” (Georgia orthodontist)
“Return his license and apologize.” (Illinois dentist)
“As a health care provider, I should be able to say whatever I think if it is evident in my practice.” (Michigan prosthodontist)
“The ADA doesn’t gag anyone… All they ask is that we be truthful, present all the alternatives to our patients and, above all, do no harm.” (Nevada dentist)
“I don’t know why you want to bash organized dentistry, and the ADA in particular, about the Hanus decision…. I thought this website was above such behavior.” (Ohio dentist)
“I think that ADA executives who’ve buried their heads in the sand should have their licenses suspended once the truth comes out.” (New Jersey dentist)
“Amalgam has NO proven side effects… Dentists should not make unscientific recommendations to patients.” (Oregon prosthodontist)
“Can we revoke his DDS as well? The man is NOT a scientist: he’s a hysterical scaremonger! (California endodontist)
“Dentists are free to avoid materials that they do not like. But there indications for amalgam as there are for most materials, and dentists should not be trying to have amalgam eliminated from our armamentarium.” (New York pediatric dentist)
“It should be a non-issue. Amalgam is going away due to market forces related to cosmetics. In another 5 years it will fall all by itself.” (Alaska dentist)
“More dentists should speak out. Can’t everyone see that there are two standards for mercury? It seems that the oral cavity is the only ‘safe’ place for mercury.” (Illinois dentist)
“Is this who you would send your family to?” (Oklahoma pediatric dentist)
Read more dentist comments or post your own below!