The Texas Dental Association (TDA) is helping Texans protect their oral health with a new patient resource focused on the importance of choosing a licensed dental professional.

When it comes to dental care, knowing who is providing your treatment matters. Unfortunately, unlicensed individuals offering dental services continue to pose a risk to patients across Texas. Receiving dental treatment from someone without the proper credentials can lead to serious complications, including infections, permanent damage and other long-term health consequences.

To help Texans make informed decisions about their dental care, TDA has launched a new online resource that provides patients with the information and tools they need to verify dental licenses and recognize potentially unsafe practices.

What Patients Need to Know

The new resource offers guidance on several important topics, including:

• Verifying a Dental License: Learn how to confirm that a dentist is properly licensed to practice in Texas.

• Recognizing Illegal Dental Practices: Understand the warning signs of unlicensed dental work and potentially unsafe treatment environments.

• Finding a Licensed Dentist: Access resources to help locate qualified dental professionals in your area.

• Accessing Affordable Dental Care: Explore options for free or low-cost dental services throughout Texas.

• Reporting Unlicensed Activity: Learn how to report suspected illegal dental practices to the appropriate authorities.

A Simple Step That Can Protect Your Health

Verifying a dental license takes less than a minute, but it can make a lasting difference in protecting your health and safety.

TDA encourages all Texans to take this simple precaution before receiving dental treatment and to share these resources with family and friends.

Before you sit in the dental chair, make sure you're in qualified hands.

Visit TDA's Check Your Dentist resource to learn more about verifying dental licenses, identifying unsafe practices and finding trusted dental care in Texas.