Criminal Background Check

A North Dakota criminal history record check is a search of confidential law enforcement databases, cross-referencing by the person’s name, date of birth, social security number and other specific identifiers, including fingerprints. The extensive cross-referencing ensures that the result relates only to that person, even if the person has used several names or there are other individuals with the same name. Only the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) can supply a criminal history record check.

NDSBDE Criminal History Record Forms

Print forms and read information carefully to avoid delays in your licensure process!

Background Check Process

The background check forms are above and can be submitted once an application for a dental or dental hygiene license and license fee have been received by the Board. Delaying the fingerprinting process may delay your license.

An applicant must have fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement agency or other private fingerprinting agency. Be prepared to pay a fee to that agency for this service. The fingerprints must be taken by an appropriately trained official. The fingerprint card must be signed by the official in the appropriate block. An may not take their own fingerprints.
If necessary, the Board will mail you fingerprint cards upon request.
Applicants are required to ensure that their fingerprint cards are completely filled out. Required information includes: Full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, sex, height, weight, hair color, eye color, place of birth etc. Submission of incomplete cards may delay the application process.

“Reason Fingerprinted” should specify the type of license you are applying for (dental or dental hygiene)

Please be advised that if your fingerprint cards are rejected, you will be notified and processing of your application may be delayed. Do not attempt to take your own fingerprints. They will be rejected.

Mail the fully completed card, along with your fee as instructed on the card to:

ND State Board of Dental Examiners

2900 E Broadway Ave Ste 3

Bismarck, ND 58501

Failure to Disclose Criminal History

The Board considers all facts and circumstances when reviewing applications and generally does not deny an application based solely on self-reports of criminal or other misconduct.Failure to disclose disciplinary actions, convictions, arrests or charges on an application, however, may result in denial of the application or revocation of the license.

Examples of past unacceptable explanations provided in “failure to report” incidents to the Board include:

I didn’t think I had to mention the DUI because I paid all of the fines.
I didn’t think the disciplinary action, arrest, charge, or conviction was still on my record and
I was told it was expunged.
My attorney told me I didn’t have to disclose the criminal conduct or disciplinary actions.
I didn’t think the prior conduct had anything to do with the profession.
I didn’t think it was subject to disclosure because I received a deferred sentence/judgment.
I didn’t read the question carefully enough.

New license applications and license renewal applications contain questions related to disciplinary actions, illegal or errant behavior and criminal conduct. After receiving a professional license, all license holders continue to be subject to reporting requirements regarding any disciplinary actions, charges or convictions, regardless of in what state they might occur.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Background Checks

What is the processing time for a background check?

Once the Board receives the completed fingerprint cards from the applicant, the cards and the applicant’s check are sent to the FBI. The results typically require at least two weeks. However, an applicant may have to repeat the process if the prints are smudged or cannot be read.

Can the Board share the results of a criminal history record check with someone other than me?

No. The record is confidential and cannot be reproduced, disseminate, e-mail or distribute the confidential record. The Board will ask for further information depending on the information received. The Board may provide a copy to the applicant.

Can I challenge the results?

Yes, but keep in mind the fingerprint is associated with an arrest record rather than a name or other identifier. Results are extremely accurate.

Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

Local, county or state law enforcement agencies may take your fingerprints for a fee. Private companies assess fees too and also offer a livescan service. Check the business listings online or in the yellow pages. If finger prints are taken at a livescan site, please enclose either the card printed at the livescan sit or the acknowledgement form printed by the livescan.

Can I receive information from the Board about the criminal history records check results over the phone?

No.

Can I receive information from the Board about the criminal history records checkresults via FAX?

No.

Can I have a copy of my criminal history records check for personal review?

You may obtain a copy of your FBI Identification Record by sending a request to:

Federal Bureau of Investigation

CJIS Division

Attention: Record Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306