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.