The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry recently adopted an amendment to the administrative code regarding the application for licensure to practice dentistry. 

Licensure Requirements: The amendment clarifies that applicants for licensure must submit proof of successfully completing either:

Parts I and II of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), or

The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). 

Re-Examination for Lapsed Practice: Dentists who have been inactive (not practicing) for five years or more must re-take the ADEX dental examination or complete a Board-approved refresher course with a post-course examination. This impacts dentists who may have been out of practice and are seeking re-entry into the profession. Also, The Board of Dentistry can require additional education, training, or supervision if the post-course or clinical examination shows deficiencies. 

This introduces a safeguard to ensure that returning practitioners meet current practice standards, but may also require more effort and time for some dentists seeking licensure or re-licensure.

For those dentists already licensed in another state or jurisdiction, the rule requires submission of similar examination results to be eligible for licensure in New Jersey. This may affect out-of-state dentists looking to practice in New Jersey, as they need to align their credentials with the state's standards.

View Adopted Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:30-1.2 in the New Jersey Register (56 N.J.R. 1808(a))