Initial licensure Increasing the number of licensed RDHAPs in the state was intended to improve the quality of health care for the citizens of California. Under Section 1922 of the Dental Practice Act, applicants for RDHAP licensure are generally required to demonstrate satisfactory performance on an examination in California law and ethics required by the Dental Hygiene Board. The applicant must also meet either of the following requirements: a. Holding a current California RDH license and having been engaged in clinical practice as a dental hygienist (in California or another state) for a minimum of 2,000 hours during the immediately preceding 36 months, and possessing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. This degree is recognized as a minimum of 120 semester credit hours or 180 quarter credit hours in postsecondary education, from a college or institution of higher education that is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The applicant must also have completed a minimum of 150 hours of approved educational requirements, as prescribed by the Dental Hygiene Board, that are consistent with good dental and dental hygiene practice, including, but not limited to, dental hygiene technique and theory, including gerontology, medical emergencies, and business administration and practice management. b. Having received a letter of acceptance into the employment utilization phase of the Health Workforce Pilot Project No. 155, established by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (Health and Safety Code, Division 107, Chapter 3, Article 1) (California Dental Practice Act, 2021d). However, any RDH who completed the required RDHAP coursework under the Health Manpower Pilot Project and established an independent practice by June 30, 1997, does not need to comply with the preceding requirements; such an RDH is deemed to have satisfied the licensing requirements as an RDHAP and may continue to operate his or her present practice under certain conditions set forth in Section 1924 of the Dental Practice Act (California Dental Practice Act, 2009f). Documentation of dentist relationship Prior to establishing an independent practice, an RDHAP is required to provide to the Dental Hygiene Board documentation The licenses of all California dental professionals expire every two years, on the last day of the licensee’s birth month (California Dental Practice Act, 1976). To renew their license(s), dental professionals must meet the requirements for license renewal imposed by the Board, which now include reporting (a) the completion of any CODA-accredited advanced educational Continuing education requirements According to Section 5 of the California Dental Association Code of Ethics, dentists have the obligation to advance their knowledge and keep their skills freshened by CE throughout their professional lives (California Dental Association, 2017). In order to renew his or her license in California, a dental professional must maintain a high level of clinical skills and remain knowledgeable of advances in techniques and technology through CE programs and workshops. The Board governs the license renewal and CE requirements of dentists and dental assistants, whereas the Dental Hygiene Board of California governs this area for dental hygienists. All licensees in California must complete a specified number of CE units every renewal cycle, based on the type of license held. On the renewal form, the licensee must certify having completed the required number of hours of CE. Each dentist must complete 50 CE hours, RDAs and RDHs must complete 25 CE hours, and RDHAPs must complete 35
of an existing relationship with at least one dentist for referral, consultation, and emergency services (California Dental Practice Act, 2020j). Permit for a dental sedation assistant The Board may issue a dental sedation assistant permit upon receipt of a fee and a completed application as well as evidence of: ● At least 12 months of dental assistant work experience. ● Successful completion of one Board-approved course each in the Dental Practice Act and infection control. ● Successful completion of a basic life support course offered by an instructor approved by either the ARC or the AHA, or of another course approved as an equivalent by the Board. ● After six months experience working as a dental assistant, successful completion of a dental sedation assistant course approved by the Board. ● After completing all other requirements, passing a Board- administered written examination. ● Fingerprint clearance. (Dental Board of California, 2021e) The Dental Board of California provides a Web page with complete information on this process at https://dbc.ca.gov/ applicants/become_licensed_dsa_oa.shtml. Permit for an orthodontic assistant The Board may issue an orthodontic assistant permit upon receipt of a fee and a completed application, as well as evidence of: ● At least 12 months of dental assistant work experience. ● Successful completion of one Board-approved course each in the Dental Practice Act and infection control. ● Successful completion of a basic life support course offered by an instructor approved by either the ARC or the AHA, or of another course approved as an equivalent by the Board. ● After six months experience working as a dental assistant, successful completion of an orthodontic assistant course approved by the Board. ● After completion of all other requirements, passing a Board- administered written examination. ● Fingerprint clearance. (Dental Board of California, 2021e) The Dental Board of California provides a Web page with complete information on this process at https://dbc.ca.gov/ applicants/become_licensed_dsa_oa.shtml. programs in a dental specialty recognized by the ADA and (b) information on their practice or employment status (California Dental Practice Act, 2013b). The Board regulations on license renewals also address situations in which a license has already expired, is inactive, or has been revoked or suspended (California Dental Practice Act, 2020k). CE hours. Continuing education units are not required for the very first renewal after a license is first issued (Cal. Code Regs., 2010b). It should be noted that certain waivers of renewals were temporarily applied during the COVID-19 public health emergency. For details, see the Dental Board of California Web page at https://www.dbc.ca.gov/licensees/covid19.shtml. Table 1 shows the number of units of CE required for different licensees. In addition to stipulating the total number of hours of CE required for license renewal, the Dental Practice Act imposes various requirements or restrictions on course content. Subject matter should be designed to enhance clinical practice. Coursework must be “designed and delivered in a manner that serves to directly enhance the licensee’s knowledge, skill, and competence in the provision of service to patients or the community” (Cal. Code Regs., 2010a). Licensees holding a
LICENSE RENEWAL
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