(a) A dental assistant who desires to perform expanded duties as defined by the rules and regulations of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners in the State of Arkansas shall apply in writing for examination to the Secretary of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, and he or she shall transmit with the written application his or her examination and licensing fee.

(b) The examination and licensing fee shall be determined by the board and shall be an amount reasonably calculated to cover the costs of administering the examination, issuing the license to practice, and otherwise administering this subchapter.

(c) An applicant must be of good moral reputation and character and a graduate of a school or course of study approved by the board for the training of dental assistants.

(d) An applicant must submit upon request such proof as the board may require touching upon character and fitness.

(e)

(1) If after considering an application and its accompanying records the board finds that the applicant is not qualified to take the examination, the board shall refund the entire amount of the examination and licensing fee paid by the applicant.

(2) If a qualified applicant fails to appear for examination, the fee shall be retained by the board.

(3) If an applicant fails to make the grade or percentage required by the board, the fee paid by him or her shall be retained by the board.

(f) If an applicant makes the grade or percentage required by the board, it shall issue to him or her without further initial cost a permit to perform the expanded duties of a dental assistant in the State of Arkansas.

(g) All permits shall be numbered and issued consecutively.

(h) If a permit is lost or destroyed, the secretary shall furnish a certified copy of the permit to the permittee upon the payment of a fee to be prescribed by the board, and the fee shall be in an amount reasonably calculated to cover the cost of furnishing the certified copy.