state licensure question for OMFS

I plan on taking the NERB, but I'm applying to OMFS programs outside of the states covered. If I'm accepted to a program that doesn't fall under the NERB, what do I do about licensure? It'd be too late to take the WREB, CITA, SRTA, etc. Can you write an Rx without being licensed in that state? Will programs consider you if you're not licensed in their state? If there's any residents out there that this happened to, I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks

One of the senior residents at Highland had only taken NERB and had no problems. He actually took WREB this past May because he's planning to stay on the west coast when he's done with the program. Check with your program for specifics.

fridgeraider said:

I plan on taking the NERB, but I'm applying to OMFS programs outside of the states covered. If I'm accepted to a program that doesn't fall under the NERB, what do I do about licensure? It'd be too late to take the WREB, CITA, SRTA, etc. Can you write an Rx without being licensed in that state? Will programs consider you if you're not licensed in their state? If there's any residents out there that this happened to, I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks

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When you're a resident you work under your attendings' licenses. Having a valid dental license only matters if you are going to moonlight. Same goes true for MD residents.

At UAB the hospital issues residents DEA and controlled substance numbers. Now that I'm in med school and wanting to moonlight I have to get my own DEA # -- 550 bones!

If you're not sure where you want to ultimately live/practice, it wouldn't hurt to take the NERB, because you can apply for a license in most states by reciprocity after you finish residency. I took the WREB during my 4th year of d-school and just took the AL dental boards last month since Alabama is one of the states that still has their own separate board exam.

txdent2be2007 said:

If you're not sure where you want to ultimately live/practice, it wouldn't hurt to take the NERB, because you can apply for a license in most states by reciprocity after you finish residency. I took the WREB during my 4th year of d-school and just took the AL dental boards last month since Alabama is one of the states that still has their own separate board exam.

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I ended up taking both WREBS and NERBS in dental school b/c I didn't know where I was going to practice and I didn't want to prep another class II out of dental school. Your 4-6 years in residency WILL NOT count towards repricocity...at least in CA. I was in the OP's same shoes and when I was doing my research, I was told only 1 year of residency would count toward repricocity. That said, the laws in CA have been undergoing some major legislative changes so I'm sure things have changed since 1 year ago but just a heads up.

To answer the OPs question, ask your PD if you need to be licensed in that state. Also, it's a good idea to fullfill your requirements for the state you plan on practicing in and activate your license ASAP since things seem to be changing every year and you don't want to be stuck taking yet another exam.

You don't need to pass any licensing exams to do a residency in the US. Canadian students do residencies all over the US without having taken any NERBs or WREBs or etc. The only place you may run into trouble is if you do residency in a state that doesn't accept NERB and decide you want to moonlight.

It really depends on state and residency regulations. Some states have a separate "resident license" category that you can obtain a license under (ie MN, IA). You have to have completed dental school but not necessarily a clinical board. Other states do not have this category of license (WI). Depending on the residency you may have to obtain a license in a state (not necessarily the one your residency is in).