What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Tennessee Dental Assistant License
To reinstate a lapsed dental assistant license in Tennessee, you must contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that accrued during the time your license was inactive. The Board does not automatically reinstate licenses—you must submit a formal request and meet current standards before your license becomes valid again.
The reinstatement process depends on how long your license has been expired. If your license lapsed recently (within the current renewal cycle), the path is straightforward. If it has been expired for several years, you may face additional requirements, including proof that you have kept your skills current.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry directly to request reinstatement and learn what fees and documentation you owe based on how long your license has been expired.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on whether your license expired during the current renewal cycle or in a previous one.
- Continuing education hours that accrued while your license was inactive must be completed before reinstatement is granted.
- If your license has been expired for more than one renewal cycle, the Board may require proof that you are still competent to practice, which could include a practical examination or additional coursework.
How Long Your License Has Been Expired Matters
Tennessee dental assistant licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle. The reinstatement process changes depending on whether your license expired during the current cycle or in a previous one. This distinction affects both the fee you pay and the continuing education you must complete.
If your license expired within the last two years (the current renewal cycle), you typically owe only the reinstatement fee plus any continuing education hours that have accrued since expiration. If your license has been expired for longer than two years, the Board may treat it as a more serious lapse and may require additional proof of competency or current knowledge before reinstatement.
Before you begin the reinstatement process, contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to confirm your license status and learn exactly what you owe. The Board can tell you in one conversation whether you need only to pay and submit education hours, or whether additional requirements explore to your situation.
Continuing Education Requirements During Reinstatement
Tennessee requires dental assistants to complete continuing education hours during each two-year renewal period. If your license has been expired, you must complete all the continuing education hours that would have been required during the time your license was inactive.
The number of hours required depends on your specific role and credentials. Standard dental assistants have different requirements than those with expanded duties or restorative credentials. You must verify with the Board which category applies to you and how many hours you owe.
Continuing education must come from Board-approved providers. Courses taken before your license expired do not count toward reinstatement unless they fall within the renewal period you are now completing. You will need to provide proof of completion—usually a certificate or transcript from the course provider—when you submit your reinstatement request.
The Reinstatement Fee and Payment Process
The Tennessee Board of Dentistry charges a reinstatement fee separate from the standard renewal fee. The exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you are requesting reinstatement during a renewal period or between renewal periods.
You must pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request. The Board accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the method you use to submit your request. If you submit by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. If you submit online or by phone, you can pay by credit card.
Do not assume the fee amount without calling the Board. Fees can change, and your specific situation may affect what you owe. The Board's staff can give you an exact total before you submit payment.
Documents and Information You Will Need
When you request reinstatement, have the following information and documents ready:
- Your original license number or Social Security number (to locate your record in the Board's system)
- Proof of continuing education completion (certificates or transcripts from approved providers)
- A completed reinstatement form, available from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry website or by request
- Payment for the reinstatement fee (check, money order, or credit card information)
- A current address where the Board can mail your reinstated license
If your license has been expired for more than one renewal cycle, the Board may also request a letter explaining the reason for the lapse or proof that you have maintained current knowledge of dental assisting practices. Ask the Board whether these documents are required for your situation before you submit your request.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
The Tennessee Board of Dentistry accepts reinstatement requests by mail, phone, or in person. The fastest method is usually by phone, because the Board's staff can confirm your status, tell you exactly what you owe, and answer questions about continuing education requirements in one call.
To submit by mail, send your completed reinstatement form, proof of continuing education, and payment to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry at the address listed on their website. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and a statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Keep a copy for your records.
If you submit in person, bring the same documents and payment to the Board's office during business hours. The staff can review your materials on the spot and tell you whether anything is missing before you leave.
After you submit your request, the Board typically processes reinstatement within two to four weeks. You will receive written confirmation when your license has been reinstated, and your new license card will be mailed to the address you provided.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for Several Years
If your license has been expired for more than one renewal cycle—typically more than two years—the Board may require additional proof that you are still competent to practice. This could include a practical examination, additional continuing education beyond what the renewal cycle requires, or a letter from a supervising dentist confirming that you have maintained current skills.
The Board makes this information on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Board directly to learn whether your situation requires additional steps. If an examination is required, the Board will provide information about how to schedule it and what it covers.
Do not delay contacting the Board if your license has been expired for a long time. The longer the lapse, the more documentation the Board may require. Starting the conversation early gives you time to gather what you need and complete any additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a dental assistant while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a dental assistant in Tennessee with an expired license, even if your reinstatement request is pending. You must wait until the Board confirms that your license has been reinstated before you return to work. Practicing with an expired license is a violation and can result in penalties.
What if I completed continuing education while my license was expired but before I knew it had lapsed?
Hours completed after your license expired may still count toward reinstatement if they were taken from Board-approved providers. Bring documentation of the courses you completed and the dates you took them. The Board will review whether they fall within the renewal period you are now completing and can count toward your requirement.
Do I have to retake the dental assistant exam to reinstate my license?
Not usually. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the initial licensing exam. However, if your license has been expired for several years, the Board may require a practical examination or additional coursework to confirm that your skills are current. The Board will tell you whether this applies to your situation when you contact them.
What if I cannot find my original license number?
Provide your Social Security number instead. The Tennessee Board of Dentistry can locate your record using your Social Security number and confirm your license status. You can also ask the Board to provide your license number when you contact them about reinstatement.
How much does reinstatement cost in Tennessee?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your license has been expired and the specific circumstances of your case. Contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry directly for an exact amount. The fee is separate from the standard renewal fee and must be paid when you submit your reinstatement request.