Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Orthodontist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for orthodontist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Orthodontist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States or Canada, of good moral character and reputation, and satisfy educational and examination requirements.
- 7
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
The ADEX exam or Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) is required for any applicant who has recently graduated or who doe not have a license in another state under which he/she has practiced for five years.
- 9
Any applicant who has failed any of the Board approved exams must pass that exam in any case.
- 10
The National Board examination is required for applicants who have graduated from a dental college, school or university after 1972.
- 11
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:.
Exam and processing details
- States or Canada, of good moral character and reputation, and satisfy educational and examination requirements
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification specialities
- Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Pathology, Pedodontics, Periodontics, Dedntal Publis Health, and Prosthodontics
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
$174,830 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 19 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States or Canada, of good moral character and reputation, and satisfy educational an...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required States or Canada, of good moral character and reputation, and satisfy educational and examination requirements.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
The median salary for Orthodontists in Tennessee is $174,830. Tennessee ranks #14 among 19 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$174,830Hourly estimate
$84.05National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOrthodontist Salary Ranking
#14 of 19 statesfor Orthodontist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Connecticut | $381,660 |
| #2 | Michigan | $340,840 |
| #3 | Illinois | $335,730 |
| #4 | Maryland | $315,840 |
| #5 | North Carolina | $302,980 |
Nearby States Comparison
Orthodontist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $174,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | N/A | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | N/A | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $302,980 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $143,080 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $222,010 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | N/A | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2 years |
| Missouri | $275,470 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 19 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 29 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- 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.
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Orthodontist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Orthodontists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Orthodontists.
What education do you need to become a Orthodontist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Orthodontist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Orthodontist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Orthodontists in Tennessee is $174,830.
Can I transfer my Orthodontist license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Orthodontists 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 Orthodontist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.