Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements
What the exam tests
This domain covers how a dental hygienist becomes licensed in New Hampshire and how the license stays active. Expect questions on the examination pathway, biennial renewal, continuing education, and what happens when a license lapses.
Licensure pathway
The Board of Dental Examiners issues licenses. Typical requirements include graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program, passage of the national board examination, a clinical or regional examination accepted by the Board, the New Hampshire jurisprudence examination, current CPR certification, and a criminal background check. The Board may deny a license for conduct that would support discipline.
Renewal and CE
Licenses renew on the Board's biennial cycle. Continuing education must meet the Board's current hour and topic requirements-infection control and ethics/jurisprudence are commonly mandated-and must be documented for audit. Practicing while lapsed, inactive, or expired is unlicensed practice even if the renewal is completed later.
Worked example
A hygienist moves out of state, lets the license lapse for three months, and returns to work before renewing. Reasoning: the license is not active; the hygienist cannot practice until the Board reinstates or renews it. Late renewal may require a fee, evidence of CE, and an application; a “grace period” should not be assumed.
Traps that cost marks
Treating the national examination as the only requirement; assuming any CE course counts without Board approval or documentation; forgetting the jurisprudence examination; and believing a late fee automatically restores practice authority.