| License Description |
Occupational Description
A Dentist examines, diagnoses, treats, prescribes, and operates for diseases, pain, deformities, deficiencies, injuries, or physical condition of the teeth, jaws, or adjacent structures. They may also fit dental appliances and provide preventive care.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure to practice dentistry in Nebraska may be obtained either by:License by Examination- For individuals who have taken and passed an acceptable clinical examination within the past 5 years;-OR-License by Reciprocity- For individuals who have:1. Been licensed in another state or jurisdiction;2. Been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry or been in a residency or graduate training program for at least three years (one of those years must be within the last three years).All applicants are also required to complete a jurisprudence examination, and to pass a fingerprint criminal background check.If the applicant is going to prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances in Nebraska, he or she must also provide proof of federal DEA registration. Reciprocity- Nebraska Revised Statute 38-129.02 outlines a reciprocity pathway for individuals who are moving to Nebraska from another jurisdiction that has a similar license type. Anesthesia/Sedation Permits-Any dentist wanting to provide anesthesia/sedation must apply for an additional permit prior to providing this service. The permits are issued to the dentist per location where the dentist will be administering the anesthesia/sedation. Dentists applying to administer general anesthesia/deep sedation and moderate sedation are required to have their office inspected prior to being issued an anesthesia/sedation permit. If the dentist changes location, he/she must submit a change of location application.
Fees
$165.00, or $41.25 if initial license is obtained within six months prior to the next expiration date.
Fingerprint processing also requires a fee of $45.25, paid directly to the Nebraska State Patrol.
Renewal
Licenses must be renewed biennially by March 1 of odd-numbered years. Renewal of a Dentist's license requires 30 hours of acceptable continuing education earned during the preceding 24-month period prior to the license expiration date. All general anesthesia/deep sedation/moderate sedation permit holders are also required to attend at least six hours of continuing education directly related to the administration and management of anesthesia/sedation for the dental office. Initial License Fee Waiver:Beginning January 1, 2020, the initial licensure fee will be waived for applicants of licenses issued under the Uniform Credentialing Act who are:1) A Young Worker (between the ages of 18 – 25 (or, 17 – 25 if licensed under the Cosmetology Practice Act));2) Military Family (active duty service members, military spouses, honorably discharged veterans, spouses of honorably discharged veterans, and un-remarried surviving spouses of deceased service members); and,3) Low-Income (enrolled in a state or federal public assistant program like SNAP, TANF, etc or whose household adjusted gross income is below 130% of the federal income poverty guideline). What Will This Not Affect?This change in statute will not waive the fee for criminal background checks for those professions that require one. It will not waive the fee required for renewal or reinstatement of licensure, even if the licensee could be classified as a young worker, military family, or low-income. The law will not waive the Patient Safety fee required of physicians, osteopathic physicians, or physician assistants. There is a fee waiver available for active duty military personnel for renewal listed under a separate statute. |