Criteria for license to practice as dental hygienist

Any person desiring to practice as a dental hygienist may obtain a license to practice as a dental hygienist if the applicant satisfies each of the following criteria: (1) The application for a license to practice as a dental hygienist is in writing and signed by the applicant; (2) The applicant has passed a standardized national comprehensive examination approved by the board; (3) The applicant has graduated from an American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited United States dental hygiene school, having obtained a dental hygiene degree; (4) Within five years preceding the date of application, the applicant has passed a clinical regional or national examination approved by the board or a state examination or examinations that the board deems equivalent; (5) The applicant has passed an examination concerning the state laws and rules relating to dentistry; (6) The applicant has no disciplinary proceeding or unresolved disciplinary complaint pending before a dental board at the time a license is to be issued by the board; and (7) The applicant provides references that indicate the applicant is of good moral character. The board may require a laboratory or clinical examination of an applicant if it has reason to believe the applicant cannot practice safely. Any foreign-trained or any other graduate from a dental hygiene program not accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation may apply for a license to practice as a dental hygienist. The board, by rule promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26 , shall establish requirements to reasonably ensure that an applicant's training and education are sufficient for licensure. Source: SL 2015, ch 199 , § 50. 36-6A-45, 36-6A-46. Repealed by SL 2015, ch 199 , §§ 49, 51.