Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Dentist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dentist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dentist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$154,460 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Dentist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $154,460, Dentists in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $172,790. Tennessee ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$154,460Hourly estimate
$74.2611% below national median
Difference: -$18,330
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDentist Salary Ranking
#42 of 50 statesfor Dentist median salary
Nearby States Comparison
Dentist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $154,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $135,550 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $182,570 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $191,280 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $195,820 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $172,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $128,570 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $172,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $172,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155325073
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dentist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Dentists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dentists.
What education do you need to become a Dentist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dentist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Dentist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Dentists in Tennessee is $154,460.
How does the Dentist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Dentists in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $172,790, with a state median of $154,460.
How many Dentists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,470 Dentists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dentist license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Dentists in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Dentist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.