I have been a practicing dentist for 12 years and was a dental hygienist for 10 years before becoming a dentist. My wife, Margaret, who is also a practicing dentist, resided in a neighboring state, and when we decided to marry, I had to take the licensing exam of her state. I had been previously licensed both in hygiene and dentistry in multiple states that accepted the North East Regional Board clinical exams and national board written exams. I had practiced as an associate in a state-of-the-art dental practice for an entire year before deciding to make the transition to the new state.
The procedures at that time allowed the dental board to grant dental hygiene and dental licenses by reciprocity to those with five years of experience. I was able to apply for my hygiene license, which would allow me to work and live in the new state while waiting to take my dental board exam.
I found myself sitting at a dental board meeting with two other dentists who were also applying for licenses by reciprocity. The whole process had taken about 20 minutes. Two board members interviewed each candidate while reviewing their credentials and work histories. The entire board then met and asked the two-board member teams for their recommendations and granted the licenses.
The whole process was so easy and so unfair. I received my hygiene license and they received their dental licenses. I thought that the board knew very little about any of the candidates, the quality of their work or their knowledge. I resented having to take a three-day exam providing patients with meals and hotels, not to mention all of the stress it created.
I thought the board should have given me a dental license since I had just graduated from one of the top dental schools in the country and was current on my continuing education. The other candidates did have more experience; one of them had about 30 years more and the other had foreign-market experience. The board did not give me a dental license, since I did not have five years’ experience. But looking back, I can honestly say that my sight was a little sharper, my hand a little steadier, my back a little straighter, and I was just as good as now.
I had taken the state dental examination and was fortunate to have passed the first time. My wife had taken me to her dental school, where the examination was to be held. She showed me around and introduced me to some people in various departments who were very helpful. They supplied me with models of the three-quarter gold onlay prep that was taught at the school in preparation for the boards. I was amazed that it was a flared box prep and not the slot-and-groove technique that I had been taught.
At the board exam, I had spoken with several dentist/classmates who had graduated from a different dental school in my state. They were taking the exam for the second time. They laughed and said that they all failed the gold onlay preparation. I asked them what kind of preparation they were cutting and they said the slot and groove.
I told them about the flared box preparation I learned and saw a look come over their faces somewhere between disgust and panic. I have always wondered how they did. I cut the flared box preparation and passed the first time. I’m sure this is all just coincidental and not political.
I think we have a great system. The same system has always worked, it worked for me and I hope it works for you. I’d like to thank my wife for her help in welcoming me to our state and making my life and my kids’ lives easier and better. I think I can speak for both of us, sadly, when I say that we will probably retire from dentistry if we move to another state.
