Questions about the NERB and Licensure

[ingemar]

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Hey guys, I have a couple of questions about the NERB and licensure and I was hoping that someone could point me to the right resources to answer these questions. I did a search, but I couldn't find exact answers to these questions:

1. How long is the NERB exam valid for after taking it? Say, for example, I take it in fourth year of dental school. Can I do a six year OMFS residency and then use my passing NERB status to get licensure in a state that accepts NERB?

2. After passing the NERB and graduating, can I get licensure in one state while doing a residency in a different state? For example, obtain license in New Jersey while doing residency in California. Is there any reason to do this? (i.e. NERB status expires during your residency, or rack up years towards reciprocity?)

3. For reciprocity in most states, do the 5-years of practice include residency? So say I have a license in Vermont and do a residency in North Carolina. Am I working towards qualifying for reciprocity in any way?

4. Any other reasons to apply for licensure in a state before completing residency? (i.e. National Boards validity expires?)

Thanks for your help!

 

[wigglytooth]

You are going to have a hard time finding the answers in one fell swoop because each state has its own licensing board with its own set of rules (expiration dates, what counts, etc). ASDA may have a resource - did you check their site?
Check the fine print.. some states will give reciprocity with X years but requiring the last couple of months to have "active practice" (whatever that means). Another reason to hop on state specific web sites and get some e-mailing done.
I know you probably don't know where you'll end up at the end of the day, but I would pick a few states to maintain a license in so that you're good to go when you're done with OS (checking with the state boards all the details you are looking for).

 

[2012dds]

1. How long is the NERB exam valid for after taking it? For most states, NERB is valid for 5 years. Arizona I believe is 3 years. You should check with each individual state to confirm though. Say, for example, I take it in fourth year of dental school. Can I do a six year OMFS residency and then use my passing NERB status to get licensure in a state that accepts NERB? About time you finish a six year residency your NERB status will be invalid.

2. After passing the NERB and graduating, can I get licensure in one state while doing a residency in a different state? For example, obtain license in New Jersey while doing residency in California. I don't see why not. Not all residencies require their residents to be licensed. However, without a regionally accepted license you won't be able to moonlight on weekends.Is there any reason to do this? (i.e. NERB status expires during your residency, or rack up years towards reciprocity?)

3. For reciprocity in most states, do the 5-years of practice include residency? In order to qualify for reciprocity you'll have to have a state license and "actively work"(I believe full time) for 5 years. Sorry, residency does NOT count as "active work". After that you can apply directly for a license in about 46 of the 50 states. So say I have a license in Vermont and do a residency in North Carolina. Am I working towards qualifying for reciprocity in any way?

4. Any other reasons to apply for licensure in a state before completing residency? (i.e. National Boards validity expires?) Part I & II NBDE scores never expire and will follow you to whatever states you apply for licensure.

In your case I think it's best that you pass the NERB and apply for a license in the states you desire before going into OMFS. Maintain your license(s) while in residency so that when you're finished you'll have the right to practice somewhere. It would suck to have to take the NERB 6 years after graduating dental school.
Thanks for your help!

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