Does the NC Board of Dentistry have the power to grant licensure by reciprocity?

The North Carolina Board of Dentistry does not have the authority to grant licensure by reciprocity. This means that an individual who is licensed to practice dentistry in another state cannot automatically receive a license to practice in North Carolina based solely on their existing license from another jurisdiction. Instead, applicants must fulfill the state’s requirements which typically include passing state-specific examinations and meeting other criteria as outlined by the Board.

In many states, licensure requirements are structured to ensure that all practitioners meet local standards for education, training, and public safety. This process helps to maintain the integrity of dental practice within the state and protects the health and safety of the public. Therefore, all candidates for licensure in North Carolina must go through the designated application process, which does not include an automatic reciprocity provision.