Licensure, Registration and Biennial Renewal
Licensure pathway
Mississippi issues dental hygiene licenses by examination and by other Board-approved pathways. An applicant must submit the application, fees, proof of education, examination results, and any required jurisprudence or CPR documentation. The Board verifies credentials and may deny licensure for unprofessional conduct, fraud, or disqualifying history.
Biennial renewal
Licenses renew on a biennial cycle. Renewal is not automatic: the licensee must report CE, attest to CPR and other required items, and pay the fee by the deadline. Late renewal usually requires a late fee and may require additional CE. An inactive license may be maintained without practice, but practicing while inactive or expired is unlicensed practice.
Worked example
A hygienist's license lapses on December 31. She treats patients on January 2 while her renewal is "in the mail." The reasoning: renewal is effective only when the Board processes it; the mail date does not extend the license. Treating a patient is practice, so this is unlicensed practice and can support discipline.
Traps
- Assuming a grace period exists without checking the rule.
- Confusing CE completion with CE reporting; both may be required.
- Practicing while inactive because the status "looks" current.
- Missing the biennial cycle and calculating CE in the wrong years.