Foreign dentists can work in Florida, but they must first obtain a dental license from the Florida Department of Health. The process to become licensed as a foreign-trained dentist in Florida involves several steps. I will outline these steps below:
1. Evaluation of Educational Credentials: The first step is to have your educational credentials evaluated by a credentialing agency approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry. The agency will review your dental degree and transcripts to determine if your education is equivalent to that of a U.S.-trained dentist. One such approved agency is the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
2. National Board Dental Examination (NBDE): Once your educational credentials are evaluated, you will need to take the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II. These exams assess your knowledge and understanding of the basic biomedical and dental sciences. You must pass both parts of the NBDE to proceed further.
3. English Language Proficiency: If your dental education was not conducted in English, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This can be done by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and achieving the minimum required scores.
4. Florida Laws and Rules Examination: Before being eligible for licensure, you must also pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. This exam assesses your understanding of the specific laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry in Florida.
5. Clinical Examination: After successfully completing the above steps, you will be eligible to take the Florida Dental Clinical Licensure Examination (FDLCE). This exam evaluates your clinical skills and ability to diagnose and treat patients. It consists of a series of practical and clinical scenarios that you must demonstrate proficiency in.
6. Licensure Application: Once you have passed all the required exams, you can submit an application for licensure to the Florida Department of Health. The application will include various documents such as proof of education, exam scores, and any other required documentation.
7. Background Check: As part of the application process, you will need to undergo a background check, including fingerprinting. This is to ensure that you meet the character and fitness requirements for licensure.
8. Licensure Approval: Once your application is reviewed and approved by the Florida Department of Health, you will be issued a dental license, allowing you to practice dentistry in the state of Florida.
It is important to note that this is a general overview of the process, and there may be additional requirements or steps involved. It is advisable to contact the Florida Board of Dentistry directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date and specific information on licensure requirements for foreign-trained dentists.
Personal Experience:
I have personally gone through the process of obtaining a dental license as a foreign-trained dentist in the United States, although not specifically in Florida. The steps outlined above are generally applicable across different states, with some variations in specific requirements. It is essential to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements of the state you intend to practice in to ensure a smooth licensure process.