How soon are D-graduates licensed?

[Mr.E]

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Are most dental graduates licensed within 6 months of graduating? How soon after d school or during d-school do dental students become licensed to practice? I know we must take our national boards part I and II during school; but are these different from a licensing exam or are they equivalent? I ask b/c most of the loans I will be taking out have a six month grace period and I'm not sure what to expect.

 

[dentalman]

Most are licensed within 3 months. Some schools take the licensing exam during school, so I would guess they could be licensed almost immediately, or within a month. All federal loans offer a six month grace period, so you don't have a choice one way or another, but be glad you have it.

 

[GuidoPedo]

You should get it in 6 months. For schools that take the licensing exams during the 4th year school year, you can usually also take the state jurisprudence and infection control exam. You then have to pay for your license and submit your transcripts when you graduate and wait for the board office to process it all.

 

[draviva]

Attend an accredited residency program in NY state and if completed in good standing, you are automatically licensed in NY now that the law has changed here. St. Clare's has an opening for July 1, 2006 if you're interested. 🙂

 

[Tarheel]

As an example I graduated on May 14 and my license arrived on May 23. This is one benefit of the curriculum integrated format for licensure examination.

 

[Mr.E]

Thank you all for dispelling my fears and answering my question. I was a bit worried that the 6 month grace period for loans would run out, and I would still be trying to get licensed.

 

[jpollei]

Thank you all for dispelling my fears and answering my question. I was a bit worried that the 6 month grace period for loans would run out, and I would still be trying to get licensed.

You only need worry about loans if you fail your licensure exam (and a retake or two).