(a) A dentist or dental hygienist who desires to practice his or her profession in the State of Arkansas and who has been practicing his or her profession continuously for a period of five (5) years or more next preceding the date of the application may apply in writing to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners for a license to practice his or her profession in the State of Arkansas without undergoing the examination required for licensing provided for in §§ 17-82-304 -- 17-82-306. The applicant must have been practicing by virtue of a license lawfully issued by the authority of another state, territory, the District of Columbia, or Canada, where the standard of proficiency at least equals that of the State of Arkansas.

(b) The application shall be accompanied by:

(1) A fee to be prescribed by the board which shall be an amount reasonably calculated to cover the costs of processing the application;

(2) The original or certified copy of the original license under which the applicant has been practicing his or her profession; or

(3) A certificate from the authority which issued the license, setting forth the applicant's moral reputation and character, history with the board, professional ability, and such other information or data as the board may deem necessary or expedient.

(c) Upon furnishing satisfactory proof of his or her fitness as contemplated in this section, the board in its discretion may issue a license to practice his or her profession to the applicant without further cost except as otherwise provided in this chapter for the renewal of licenses.