Licensing Pathways, Examinations, and Continuing Education Requirements
Domain 3: Licensing Pathways, Examinations, and Continuing Education
This domain tests how a candidate obtains and keeps a Michigan dental credential: dental, dental hygienist, and registered dental assistant pathways; required examinations; and CE renewal.
Core rules
- Dental licensure requires graduation from a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD program, passing the integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), passing a Board-approved clinical examination (Michigan uses ADEX), and passing the Michigan jurisprudence examination.
- Dental hygiene licensure requires an accredited hygiene program, the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a Board-approved clinical exam, and jurisprudence.
- Registered dental assistant status requires completion of a Board-approved training program and the required examination; duties are limited by the RDA credential.
- Licensure by credentials may be available for experienced dentists, but it is discretionary and does not waive jurisprudence or fitness requirements.
- CE: dentists complete 60 hours per three-year renewal cycle; hygienists and RDAs complete 36 hours per cycle. Board rules specify mandatory topics and acceptable providers; CE must be documented.
Worked example
A dentist licensed in Ohio for 12 years moves to Michigan. She has an accredited DDS, passed the INBDE and ADEX, and wants to avoid retaking a clinical exam. She may apply for licensure by credentials if she meets the Board's experience and verification criteria, but she still must pass the Michigan jurisprudence exam and provide records. National boards alone do not confer a Michigan license.
Traps
- Assuming a license from another state is portable.
- Submitting CE from unapproved providers or after the cycle closes.
- Confusing the INBDE with the clinical exam.
- Letting an RDA perform functions outside the RDA scope.
- Missing the jurisprudence requirement.