33-15-120. Dental hygienists; qualifications; examination; fees and license.

(a) Any person who has a background that does not evidence conduct adverse to the practice of dental hygiene or to the ability to practice dental hygiene who is a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by the commission on dental accreditation of the American Dental Association, who has passed in a manner satisfactory to the board the dental hygiene national board examination administered by the joint commission on national dental examinations of the American Dental Association and who passes any clinical board accepted by the board may apply to the board to have the person's qualifications considered for licensure to practice dental hygiene. Applicants shall be required to pass a written examination satisfactory to the board.

(b) If the applicant fails the board examination three (3) times, he shall show evidence of additional education to the satisfaction of the board before reexamination.

(c) If the applicant successfully completes the requirements for licensure, the applicant shall be licensed as a dental hygienist. If the expanded duties applicant has successfully met the requirements for expanded duties, the applicant shall be certified in those expanded duties. The certificate issued by the board shall list the expanded duties which the hygienist is qualified and permitted to perform. On or before December 31 each year, each dental hygienist licensed to practice dental hygiene and wishing to continue in the practice of dental hygiene shall submit a license renewal application with the applicable renewal fee. The renewal certificate shall be made available to the supervising dentist. Any license granted by the board shall be cancelled after ten (10) days notice by registered mail if the holder fails to secure the renewal certificate within three (3) months after December 31 each year. Any license cancelled may be restored by the board upon payment of a fee set by the board, if paid by December 31 of the year the license was cancelled.

(d) Any dental hygienist whose application for renewal indicates that the hygienist has not actively practiced dental hygiene or engaged in teaching dental hygiene for the preceding five (5) years shall be issued a renewal certificate only after demonstrating to the board that the hygienist has maintained the qualifications set forth in this act. The board may require reexamination if it finds good cause to believe that the person has not maintained the professional ability and knowledge required of an original licensee under this act.

(e) The board shall promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the licensure of dental hygienists and the practice of dental hygiene, and may prescribe continuing education requirements for renewal certificates and relicensure.