FLORIDA DENTAL LICENSURE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: FAQS

Requirements | FAQs | Exam Malpractice Insurance | Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about the Exam

How often and where is the examination given?
The clinical and written examinations typically are given in June and December. Exams are given at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville, Fla., and at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Beginning in 2005, graduating dental students may take their exam in March.

Specific directions will be sent to you after your 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: www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dentistry

What is tested on the examination and how long will it take?
The examination has three parts:

The exam is administered over four days. A mandatory orientation program is given that may necessitate five days.

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., offers the malpractice insurance required to take the exam. Application forms are available through Florida dental schools, FDAS or online. Senior dental students receive the insurance at no cost. Other applicants pay a $15 fee. Once the application form is completed and returned to FDAS, a certificate of insurance is issued. For information about FDAS 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.)

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 they grade as reliably as possible.

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.

If I graduated from an unaccredited dental school, can I take the licensure examination?
Yes, but only if you have successfully completed a two-year supplemental dental-education program at an accredited dental school. A certificate of equivalency is required. Contact the Florida Board of Dentistry for more information. The Board of Dentistry also has a screening tool on its Web site.

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

Will I be provided detailed information about the examination?
Yes. Each candidate will receive a detailed Candidate Information Booklet from the Florida Board of Dentistry. It will answer most of your questions about procedural aspects of the exam. It will help you to study this information before taking the exam. Also, candidates will attend an orientation session given by the examination supervisors. The session will include a question-and-answer period.

Where can I purchase the models and instruments needed for the examination?
You can make your own models using instructions provided by the Florida Board of Dentistry. However, most candidates purchase models from suppliers who are experts in correctly fabricating them. (See Resources.)

What instruments are required?
Candidates must supply all of their own instruments. Specific instruments for check in and grading of the examination are required. Be sure you comply exactly with the instrument requirements outlined in the Florida Board of Dentistry’s Candidate Information Booklet.

To Do List

  1. Write to request an application. The application must be postmarked at least 60 days before the exam. Applicants should send applications by certified mail, return receipt requested. Pay particular attention to the deadlines specified in the application. Be sure that the application is completed properly and includes all required information.
  2. Contact the Bureau of Testing at (850) 488-5952 if you do not receive an examination schedule and admission card two to four weeks before the exam.
  3. Call FDA Services Inc. approximately six months in advance of the exam to apply for malpractice insurance - insurance@floridadental.org or (800) 877-7597. 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.
  4. Make travel and hotel arrangements as soon as possible. (See Resources.) Allow extra time to get from the hotel site to the exam site.
  5. Procure patients as early as possible.
  6. Prepare the naturally extracted teeth used for the endodontic procedures on the exam. These teeth must be rendered non-biohazardous. They should be cleaned of adherent patient material by scrubbing with detergent and water or by using an ultrasonic cleaner. They then should be stored, immersed in a fresh solution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach diluted 1:10 with tap water) or any liquid chemical germicide suitable for clinical specimen fixation.
  7. Confirm that your instruments and supplies include those specifically required in the Candidate Information Booklet. Consider taking an examination preparatory course. (See Resources.)
  8. Arrive at the exam site early. Be sure you bring your admission slip and proper identification.