Tough to get credentials

Dear RDH:

To help keep the practice of hygiene a little more interesting, I have tried to spend my winters in out-of-state work situations and have enjoyed it immensely. Two years ago, I started the process of acquiring my New Mexico license through credentialing. It has been tedious as can be.

When I started the paperwork two years ago, the fee was $100. Now it is $500. Two years ago I needed letters and signatures from all employers of the previous five years. As I do a lot of temporary filling-in, this was an arduous process. Now it is not required. Two years ago, I did not need copies of continuing education credits. Now I do.

Does it take so long to get credentialed in all states, or did I just get unlucky? RDH would do me a great service by publishing those states that do accept licensing other than boards, with phone numbers and addresses.

I am a dues paying member of ADHA, but they told me it would be impossible for them to come up with the information I seek, and I would have to write every state individually to get an answer about licensing procedures. What do my dues do anyway? I would think their computers would have all the information I needed.

Any help would be appreciated.

Suzanne Mann, RDH

Hortonville, Wisconsin

Editor`s Note: Since it`s apparent that you have contacted the ADHA, we tried the American Dental Association. At press deadline, we were still waiting for a response. If the ADA or ADHA provides the information, we will publish it.