Checking references of applicants for any position is essential. For staff who need to be registered, licensed or otherwise credentialed, it is important to check with the appropriate authority to verify that applicants have the requisite credentials and that there have been no complaints or actions taken against them. Most licenses must be renewed every one to three years, often with documentation of specific continuing education credits, including CPR, so make sure their licenses are up-to-date. The following resources may be helpful for checking credentials:

• A list of dental and dental hygiene regulatory boards for the US
  
  
• The Dental Assisting National Board will explain the different types of certifications for dental assistants
  
  
• The NPDB serves as a "flagging system" and facilitates a comprehensive review of professional credentials. Dental assistants and hygienists are not included in the NPDB. Information from adverse 1) licensure actions, 2) clinical privilege actions, 3) professional society membership actions, and 4) malpractice verdicts is collected from and disseminated to eligible entities. View information on the NPDB. A 24-hour Data Bank help line (1-800-767-6732) is available with recordings on common topics and NPDB developments. During normal working hours (Eastern Time) an information specialist is available to answer specific questions.