Tennessee requires you to file a reinstatement petition with the Board of Dentistry, pay a fee, and meet any continuing education or practice requirements that have accumulated since your license lapsed
A lapsed dental assistant license in Tennessee does not automatically disappear from the system — it remains inactive until you take formal steps to restore it. The Tennessee Board of Dentistry handles reinstatement, not the state health department or a separate licensing body. The process is straightforward if your license lapsed within the last few years, but the requirements change depending on how long it has been inactive and whether you have been working as a dental assistant elsewhere during that time.
The Board of Dentistry is located in Nashville and processes reinstatement requests by mail or in person. You will need to submit specific documents, pay a reinstatement fee (which varies and should be confirmed directly with the Board), and in some cases complete continuing education hours that you missed while inactive. The timeline from submission to approval typically ranges from two to four weeks, though it can be longer if the Board requests additional information.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry directly to confirm the current reinstatement fee and any continuing education requirements specific to your situation.
- You will need to submit a reinstatement petition along with proof of identity, your original license number, and documentation of any work history since the license lapsed.
- If more than a certain period has passed since your license became inactive, you may be required to complete additional continuing education hours or pass a refresher exam.
- The Board processes reinstatement requests by mail or in-person appointment, and you should expect a response within two to four weeks of submission.
What Documents the Board of Dentistry Requires
The Tennessee Board of Dentistry will ask for your original dental assistant license number or a copy of your license card if you still have it. If you cannot locate your license number, the Board can search their records by your name and date of birth. You will also need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
If you have worked as a dental assistant in another state or in a different capacity since your Tennessee license lapsed, bring documentation of that employment — a letter from your employer on company letterhead works well. This helps the Board understand your recent work history and may affect whether you need to complete additional education. Some reinstatement petitions also require a brief written statement explaining why your license lapsed and what you have been doing professionally in the interim.
Continuing Education and Refresher Requirements
Tennessee does not require all reinstatement applicants to complete continuing education, but the Board may impose this requirement based on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed fewer than two years ago and you have been working continuously as a dental assistant (even in another state), you may not need additional coursework. If it has been longer, or if you have not worked in the field, the Board typically requires you to complete a set number of continuing education hours before reinstatement is final.
The Board will specify which courses count toward reinstatement and how many hours you need. These courses are offered by dental schools, community colleges, and online providers approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. You will need to submit proof of completion — usually a certificate or transcript — along with your reinstatement petition. The cost of these courses varies widely, from under $100 for a single online module to several hundred dollars for a full refresher program.
The Reinstatement Fee and Payment Process
The Board of Dentistry charges a reinstatement fee separate from your original license fee. This fee is not fixed in this guide because it changes periodically and may differ based on whether you are reinstating an inactive license versus one that was formally surrendered. You should contact the Board directly to learn the current fee before submitting your petition.
Payment is typically accepted by check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you submit your petition by mail or in person. If you mail your petition, include a check or money order with your documents. If you visit the Board office in Nashville, you can pay by card at the time of submission. The Board will not process your petition until payment is received, so do not delay sending the fee.
How to Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry
The Tennessee Board of Dentistry is part of the Tennessee Department of Health and can be reached through the state's licensing division. The Board's office is in Nashville, and you can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about your specific reinstatement situation. When you call, have your license number ready if you know it, or be prepared to provide your full name and date of birth so they can look up your record.
You can also visit the Board's office in person to submit your reinstatement petition and ask questions about what documents you need. This is often faster than mailing, because staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you when ready if anything is missing. If you choose to mail your petition, send it to the address listed on the Board's website and keep a copy for your records.
What Happens After You Submit Your Petition
Once the Board receives your completed petition and fee, they will review your documents and check your record for any disciplinary history or outstanding issues. This review typically takes two to four weeks. If everything is in order and you have met all requirements, the Board will issue a reinstatement letter and a new license card. Your license will be active again as of the date the Board approves your petition.
If the Board needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail and ask you to submit additional documents or clarification. This can extend the timeline by one to two weeks. Once you provide what they ask for, the review resumes. In rare cases, if there are disciplinary issues on your record or if you have not met the education requirements, the Board may deny reinstatement or require you to take additional steps before approval.
If Your License Was Surrendered Rather Than Lapsed
If you formally surrendered your dental assistant license rather than letting it lapse, reinstatement may be more complicated. A surrendered license means you voluntarily gave it up, which is different from an inactive license that straightforward expired. The Board may require additional documentation or may not allow reinstatement if the surrender was recent or if there were disciplinary reasons behind it.
Contact the Board to clarify your license status before preparing your petition. If your license was surrendered, ask whether you can petition for reinstatement or whether you need to explore for a new license instead. In some cases, explore for a new license is faster and simpler than fighting a reinstatement denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license reinstated?
Most reinstatements are approved within two to four weeks of submission if your documents are complete and you meet all requirements. If the Board requests additional information, add one to two weeks to that timeline. Reinstatements involving continuing education requirements may take longer if you have not yet completed the coursework.
Do I have to retake the dental assistant exam to reinstate my license?
No, you do not have to retake the exam unless the Board specifically requires it as part of your reinstatement. This is rare and usually only happens if your license has been inactive for many years or if there are disciplinary issues. The Board will tell you if an exam is required when you contact them about your situation.
Can I work as a dental assistant while my reinstatement is pending?
No, you cannot legally work as a dental assistant in Tennessee without an active license. You must wait for the Board to approve your reinstatement and issue your new license before you begin work. Some employers will hire you contingent on reinstatement approval, but you cannot start until your license is officially active.
What if I worked in another state while my Tennessee license was inactive?
Working in another state does not automatically reinstate your Tennessee license, but it may help your reinstatement petition. Bring documentation of your out-of-state work history to show the Board that you have been practicing continuously. This may reduce or eliminate any continuing education requirements the Board would otherwise impose.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement petition?
If your petition is denied, the Board will send you a written explanation of the reasons. You can request a hearing before the Board to appeal the decision, or you can ask what steps you need to take to reapply. In some cases, completing additional education or addressing disciplinary issues will allow you to petition again.