How long is a provisional license valid?

A provisional license is designed to allow a dental professional to practice temporarily while awaiting the results of their upcoming board examination. It is considered valid until those examination results are announced. By granting this provisional status, regulatory bodies ensure that applicants can gain practical experience and work in a clinical setting without significant delays, provided they have met the necessary educational requirements and are otherwise qualified.

The emphasis on the period being tied specifically to the announcement of examination results highlights the transient nature of the provisional licensing process and the expectation that the individual will not continue practice beyond this period without passing the necessary requirements to gain a full license. This is a safeguard for the public and the profession, ensuring that only those who have demonstrated adequate competency through successful examination can practice independently for the long term.