By Laura Diamond, Attorney
Dentists are required to renew their license every other year. The license must be renewed no later than midnight on the day the license expires for the dentist to maintain the right to practice. If a license expires, the dentist can file a late renewal application but may not practice until the license is renewed.
An expired license can be renewed for up to one year from the original expiration date. Significant issues can arise when a license is expired for more than one year. A dentist whose license has been expired for one year or more may not renew the license. In short, a non-renewed license cancels after one year. When this happens, the dentist no longer has a license and may not practice.
Many dentists and lawyers believe that a cancelled license can be reinstated by filing an application with the Board. However, the Board has recently taken the position that a dentist practicing in Texas whose non-renewed and expired license cancels must apply for a new license. There is still some debate about whether a dentist in this position may file for reinstatement or must apply for a new license. If the Board requires the dentist to file for a new license, then the dentist must meet current licensure standards, including examination requirements. If the dentist’s regional examination results are more than seven years old, the dentist will be required to retake the exam. Even if the Board allows a dentist to file for reinstatement, the dentist may still be required to retake the exam. Whichever path is required, a dentist may not practice on a cancelled license. This is because the expired license is cancelled, meaning the dentist no longer has a license. The practice of dentistry without a license is a violation of Board regulations which could subject the dentist to discipline. In addition, the practice of dentistry without a license is a felony which could subject the dentist to criminal charges.
The process to reinstate a cancelled license or to obtain a new license takes time. It will take longer if the dentist must retake the regional exam or appear before the Board’s Licensing Committee. This puts a Texas dentist in a difficult position. The dentist must stop practicing immediately, raising concerns about patient abandonment and potential complaints to the Board. A solo practitioner could close the office, hire a temporary dentist to cover the practice, or refer patients to another provider. An associate dentist could be in jeopardy of losing their job. Dentists who cannot practice may struggle to meet financial obligations – office rent or mortgage payments, payroll, and student loan repayments, not to mention personal expenses. The potential consequences of overlooking license renewal could be devastating.
Notably, the Board’s position is that the regulations apply differently to dentists with a Texas license who are licensed by and actively practicing in another state. Those dentists are eligible to apply for license reinstatement or a new license, without having to retake the regional examination. Dentists practicing in Texas often are frustrated to learn that out-of-state practitioners appear to have an easier path to re-licensure following a license cancellation.
Please confirm and calendar your license expiration date to ensure your renewal application is timely filed!
Laura Diamond is an administrative and healthcare attorney based in Austin, Texas with a statewide practice representing dentists before the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Ms. Diamond can be reached at ldiamond@dsedlaw.com or (512) 472-4845. © Laura Diamond 2026. This article is not legal advice.