FLORIDA DENTAL LICENSURE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: FAQS
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Exam
How often and where is the examination given?
The clinical and written examinations are given in June and December. Exams are given at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville, Florida and Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Specific directions will be sent after the exam application is accepted. A detailed description of the exam also is provided in the Candidate Information Booklet distributed by the Florida Board of Dentistry. Applications must be postmarked at least 60 days before the exam to be accepted.
Where do I get an application and more information?
Florida Board of Dentistry
4052 Bald Cypress Way BIN C06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3256
Voice: (850) 245-4474
Fax: (850 921-6184
Web site: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dentistry
What is tested on the examination and how long will it take?
The examination has three parts:
- a clinical exam;
- a diagnostic-skills exam that is a written multiple-choice exam; and
- a laws-and-rules exam that is a written multiple-choice exam.
The exam is administered over four days. A mandatory orientation program is given that may necessitate a fifth day.
Do I need malpractice insurance?
Yes, proof of malpractice insurance is required. As a service to board exam candidates, the FDA, through FDA Services Inc., provides the malpractice insurance required to take the exam. Application forms are available through the dental schools and FDAS. Once the application form is completed and returned to FDAS, a certificate of insurance is issued. For information on receiving free malpractice insurance for the exam, contact:
FDA Services Inc.
1113 E. Tennessee St., Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Voice: (800) 877-7597
E-mail: insurance@floridadental.org
Does it help to be a Florida resident?
No. In fact, most dentists who pass the exam are from other states or foreign countries. The exam is double-blind, meaning candidates and examiners never have direct contact. Examiners do not know whose work they are grading. They have no access to any information about which candidate performed a particular procedure. In this manner, candidates are graded fairly without regard to their background.
Who are the examiners?
They are dentists who have been licensed in Florida for at least five years. They cannot be instructors at a dental school.
How do I know that all the examiners are grading by the same set of standards?
All examiners go through an intense calibration exercise before the exam to be sure that they grade as reliably as possible.
Who can help me prepare for the examination?
Exam preparation courses are available. (See Resources.)
Once I am licensed in Florida, do I have to practice there to maintain my license?
No, but you must maintain licensure by paying appropriate fees and complying with Florida regulations on mandatory continuing education and licensure renewal.