Q: Where is the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry located? What are the telephone and fax numbers?:

A: Our address is 365 Canal Street, Suite 2680, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Our telephone number is 504-568-8574. Toll free is 877-467-4488. Our fax number is 504-568-8598.

Q: How can I notify the board of any address or employment changes?:

A: All notifications of address or employment changes MUST BE IN WRITING. You may mail it or fax it to us.

Q: May I still write prescriptions after I retire my Louisiana dental license?:

A: No. The board will notify the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy that you have retired your Louisiana dental license.

Q: I see a dentist I am looking up on your website has had disciplinary action. How can I find out what that action is or was?:

A: Please call our office to request a copy of a consent decree. We can fax or mail you a copy at a charge of $1.50 per page.

Q: I am a dental assistant registered in another state. Can I transfer my license to Louisiana?:

A: No.

Q: Can I take a dental assisting course in another state and then get an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) certificate confirmation from the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry?:

A: No. We only recognize the EDDA course as taught at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Q: Does the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry regulate or certify dental assistants?:

A: No. The board does not regulate dental assistants. We do a certificate confirmation for Expanded Duty Dental Assistants ONLY after he or she has submitted proof of completion of the following: EDDA course, approved radiology course, current CPR card, and $25 application fee.

Q: When does my license expire?:

A: If your last name WHEN YOUR LICENSE WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED began with a letter between A through L, then your license will next expire December 31, 2007. If it began with a letter between M through Z, then your license will next expire December 31, 2008. Licenses are valid for two years.

Q: Do I need to post my original license in my office?:

A: Yes. Each Louisiana licensee holding either a dental or dental hygiene license shall display the license and any anesthesia permits in full and open view for all patients to observe along with all current renewal certificates of said license or anesthesia permits.

Q: What if I have more than one office in which to display my license?:

A: A copy of your original license and a copy of all current renewal certificates and anesthesia permits shall be displayed in open and full view for the public to observe.

Q: I have lost my original license. What can I do?:

A: Please contact the board for an affidavit of lost license. There is a $50.00 fee for duplicate original licenses. There is also a $50.00 fee for duplicate renewal certificates.

Q: Can I place my license on semi-retired or inactive status?:

A: No. The board only recognizes an active status. If you voluntarily surrender your license due to retirement, your license will no longer exist. However, the board has created a volunteer or retired status to allow retired licensees to provide pro bono dental care.

Q: What happens if I allow my license to lapse?:

A: If your dental or hygiene license lapses due to non-renewal, you cannot practice dentistry or hygiene in Louisiana. Persons who practice with a lapsed license are subject to disciplinary action.

Q: What happens if I do not renew my license?:

A: You will receive two notices by certified mail reminding you of your possible oversight. If we still receive no response from you or your inform the board that you do not wish to renew the license, it will be revoked due to non-renewal at the May board meeting.

Q: I retired my dental license. Can I change its status from retired to active?:

A: Dentists who wish to change their licenses from retired to active must submit a letter to the board office requesting same. There may be fees or continuing education required for this process.

Q: I retired my dental hygiene license. Can I change its status from retired to active?:

A: Dental hygienists who wish to reinstate their licenses must complete a reinstatement application and submit it to the board office. The application will be reviewed and you will be advised of the outcome accordingly. There may be fees or continuing education required for this process.

Q: How do I retire my dental or dental hygiene license?:

A: Dentists and hygienists may notify the board in writing or, if applicable, on the renewal application of your intentions to retire your Louisiana license.

Q: When do I need to renew my dental or dental hygiene license?:

A: Your renewal application must be postmarked by December 31 of the year in which your license expires. There is a late fee if your renewal application is not sent to us by the date due.

Q: Do I need to apply for a new office anesthesia permit if I move to a new office?:

A: Yes. All locations in which anesthesia or analgesia is performed must have an office permit for the level of anesthesia being used. If you move to a new office, the permit from your old office will NOT transfer. Please contact the board office for an anesthesia application.

Q: How much will it cost to renew my anesthesia permit(s)?:

A: For those licensees renewing 12/31/06, there is a $50 fee to renew your personal nitrous oxide inhalation permit. There is a $200 fee to renew your personal parenteral conscious sedation permit.

Q: How will I renew my anesthesia permit(s)?:

A: You will receive a separate anesthesia permit renewal form in the renewal packet if you hold any anesthesia permits. Please review this form and return it to the board office with the appropriate fee. Please send separate checks for your license and anesthesia renewal fees.