Transition

Now make the transition from a student to a practicing dentist in the safest, most carefree way possible – enroll for an AGD membership and we will help you put your career on the forefront. 

  • Applying for a License


To complete the application you will need:

  1. Addresses for the past 10 years
  2. References that will always know your address and their contact info
  3. Dates of Part I, II, III, IV, and V of CITA
  4. All employment for past 10 years (with addresses and dates)
  5. AGD TIP: If you have had prior misdemeanors/felonies but are unsure of the exact dates and charges, research the information prior to submitting your application.  You can call your local police department or that of the area in which the infraction occured to obtain the information.  Pay all parking and outstanding fines prior to your applicaiton. If there is a warrant for your arrest, hire a lawyer and resolve the situation before you submit your application or disclose the situation on the applicaiton.  It is vitally important that you are honest on your application.  If you have a prior history, there is a chance the board will call you in for a hearing.  Don’t Panic!  They just want more information pertaining to the incident and reassurance from you that you are a changed individual.  They want to ensure that you are going to provide the highest standards of professionalism as a licensed dentist.
  6. The application will have to be signed in front of notary
  7. A final transcript will be sent to the board once you have graduated

    AGD TIP: If you need to expedite the process for a license, you can retrieve your dental school transcript and hand deliver it to the dental board.  This may speed up the process.

  8. Jurisprudence and Infection Control Exams

    AGD TIP: Once your background check is complete, NCBDE will send you a letter with your updated status and instructions for completing the online Infection Control and Jurisprudence Exams. Each exam is are timed and consists of 25 MC questions for each.  You will have approximately 30 min to complete each exam. A score of 20 of 25 is required to pass the exam.  You will be allowed three attempts to pass. Contact the administrator if you have problems with the online format.  You can  go to the NCBDE office and take the exam there.

  •  Acquiring a License


You must take the Council of Interstate Testing Agency (CITA) exam to acquire your license. 

  • Know the manual as well as possible.
  • Be aware of what are considered critical failures so that you can avoid these common pitfalls
  • Follow all directions carefully and completely
  • Talk to other AGD members that have taken CITA (2007 to present)
  • CITA places pictures online of acceptable preps that you can use if you have questions
  • Case selection is key for the patient portion so start early