Hygienist License – Reinstate a Retired License

Registration Requirements

The TSBDE may reinstate a retired Texas dental hygiene license to active status, provided the license holder submits an Application for Reinstatement of a Retired License and pays the appropriate fees due at the time of application.

Application Process

The following documents must be completed and mailed to the TSBDE:

  1. Reinstatement of a Retired License Application.
  2. Required application fee. Military Active Duty, Veterans and Military Active Duty Spouses do not pay an application fee.
  3. A Verification of Licensure, including any and all disciplinary action issued by the board of dental examiners with a raised seal,  from all states where the applicant has ever been licensed, or is currently licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.  This only applies to dental professionals who have held a license in another state/jurisdiction. A copy of the license alone is not acceptable.
  4. National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query.  All applicants are required to complete a self-query of the NPDB.  The report results must remain in the original sealed envelope and be attached to your application to the TSBDE.  NPDB self-query reports are valid for 60 days. NPDB charges a minimal fee to furnish this information. You can contact the NPDB at Post Office Box 10832, Chantilly, VA 22021, telephone number (800) 767-6732, or website http://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/pract/howToGetStarted.jsp.
  5. Jurisprudence Assessment Certificate of Completion dated within the last 12 months.
  6. Proof of completion of Continuing Education (CE) in accordance with TSBDE Rule 104.1:
    1. 12 hours for applicants who have practiced in the last two years.
    2. 24 hours for applicants who have not practiced within the last two years.
  7. Copy of Basic Life Support CPR Card.
  8. Military, Veterans and Spouses: Copy of Military Change of Station Orders or I.D. Card or Document showing proof of Honorable or General Discharge.

Please note: October 2020 is the most current version of the paper application. No other applications will be accepted. Submitting an outdated application will only delay the process.

Download the Reinstate Retired RDH Licensure Application – October 2020

Initial Renewal (License Activation) Process

2-Step Application and Payment Process

  • The status of your license will be Expired after it is first issued.
  • You will receive a letter in the mail with instructions for paying your pro-rated initial renewal (activation) fee online.  This fee will activate your license and change the status to Active.  This letter will authorize you to practice for 30 days.  Once you pay your fee online you should receive your new license in the mail approximately 7-10 days later.
  • Exception:  Active duty military, veterans and active duty military spouses are not required to pay to activate their license.  The license will be issued and mailed to the applicant after the application has been approved.  
  • Your first license may be valid anywhere between 18 months to 30 months.  A reminder post card will be mailed to the mailing address on file with the TSBDE approximately 45 days prior to your license expiration date

Additional Information

  1. Change of Address. Licensees are required to notify the TSBDE within 60 days of a change in address.
  2. CPR Requirement. CPR Courses must include a hands-on demonstration of skills by the applicant on a manikin and a written assessment of skills.