Title 201 | Chapter 008 | Regulation 563REG
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Dentistry
(Amended at ARRS Committee)
201 KAR 8:563.Licensure of dental hygienists.
Section 1.
General Licensure Requirements. An applicant desiring initial licensure in Kentucky as a dental hygienist shall:(1)
Understand, read, speak, and write the English language with a comprehension and performance level equal to at least the ninth grade of education, verified by testing as necessary;(2)
Submit a completed and signed Application for Dental Hygiene Licensure with an attached applicant photo taken within the past six (6) months;(3)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(4)
Not be the subject of(5)
Complete and pass the board's jurisprudence exam;(6)
Hold an active certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a more comprehensive program that meets or exceeds the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC;(7)
Submit to a nationwide state and federal criminal background check by fingerprint through the Department of Kentucky State Police;(8)
Provide verification of any license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene held previously or currently in any state or other licensing jurisdiction;(9)
Hold at least one (1) of the following:(a)
An Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in a dental hygiene program(b)
A degree from a dental school located outside the United States, equivalent to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), as determined by the board;(10)
Successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), conducted by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE);(11)
Provide a written explanation for any positive returns on a query of the National Practitioner Data Bank; and(12)
Complete all additional requirements for at least one (1) of the following:(a)
Licensure by clinical examination; or(b)
Licensure by credentials.Section 2.
Requirements for Licensure by Clinical Examination.(1)
An individual desiring initial licensure in Kentucky as a dental hygienist by clinical examination shall:(a)
Complete all requirements in Section 1 of this administrative regulation; and(b)
Successfully complete all components of at least one (1) of the following clinical examinations within five (5) years preceding the filing of the application:1.
The dental hygiene examination of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) or its predecessor agencies2.
The dental hygiene examination of the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) or its predecessor agencies; or3.
4.
5.
6.
The Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DHLOSCE) of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).(2)
An individual applying more than two (2) years after graduating with a(a)
Hold a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in good standing in another state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction(b)
Complete a continuing education plan approved by the board.(3)
An applicant who has taken a clinical examination three (3) times and failed to achieve a passing score shall complete a remediation plan approved by the board.Section 3.
Requirements for Licensure by Credentials. An individual desiring initial licensure in Kentucky as a dental hygienist by credentials shall:(1)
Complete all requirements in Section 1 of this administrative regulation;(2)
Provide proof of having passed a state, regional, or national clinical examination used to determine clinical competency in dental hygiene in a state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction(3)
Be licensed and actively practicing dental hygiene in anotherSection 4.
Requirements for Charitable Limited Dental Hygiene Licensure.(1)
An individual desiring limited licensure in Kentucky to provide charitable dental hygiene services shall:(a)
Understand, read, speak, and write the English language with a comprehension and performance level equal to at least the ninth grade of education, verified by testing as necessary;(b)
Submit a completed and signed Application for Charitable Limited Licensure with an attached applicant photo taken within the past six (6) months;(c)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(d)
Not be the subject of(e)
Hold a license to practice dental hygiene in good standing in another state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction(f)
Provide a written explanation for any positive returns on a query of the National Practitioner Data Bank.(2)
A charitable limited dental hygiene license holder shall:(a)
Work only with charitable entities registered with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and listed at https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/hcab/Pages/charitablehc.aspx that have met the requirements of KRS 313.254 and 201 KAR 8:581.(b)
Only perform procedures allowed by KRS 313.254, which shall be completed within the duration of the charitable event;(c)
Be eligible for the provisions of medical malpractice insurance procured pursuant to KRS 304.40-075; and(d)
Perform these duties without expectation of compensation or charge to the individual and without payment or reimbursement by any governmental agency or insurer.Section 5.
Continuing Education Requirements.(1)
A Kentucky licensed dental hygienist shall complete at least thirty (30) hours of continuing education during the two (2) year licensure period established(a)
A licensee who was issued a new or reinstated license in the second year of the current biennial license period shall only complete at least one-half (1/2) the required hours for that period;(b)
A licensee who graduated in the first year of the current biennial license period shall only complete at least one-half (1/2) the required hours for that period;(c)
A licensee who graduated in the second year of the current biennial license period shall not be required to complete continuing education hours for that period;(d)
A charitable limited license holder shall not be required to complete continuing education hours;(e)
A licensee may be granted a medical hardship waiver or deferment if the(f)
A licensee may be granted a limited practice waiver as established(2)
Acceptable continuing education content shall include:(a)
Competency in treating patients who are medically compromised or who experience medical emergencies during the course of dental hygiene treatment;(b)
Pharmaceutical products and proper use protocols of medications;(c)
Awareness of currently accepted methods of infection control;(d)
Basic medical and scientific subjects;(e)
Clinical and technological subjects;(f)
Patient management, safety, and oral healthcare;(g)
Mass casualty or mass immunization situations;(h)
Clinical dental hygiene performed on a charitable or volunteer basis;(i)
Business operations and best practices; and(j)
Dental or dental hygiene association or society business meetings.(3)
The thirty (30) hours of continuing education shall include:(a)
A minimum of ten (10) hours taken in a live interactive presentation format;(b)
A maximum of ten (10) hours that meet the requirements of subsection (2)(h) - (j) of this section; and(c)
A minimum of one-half (1/2) hour in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) or Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN).(4)
Dental hygienists registered to practice under general supervision shall also meet the continuing education requirements of Section 12(8)(5)
Dental hygienists registered to practice as public health hygienists shall also meet the continuing education requirements of Section 15(11)(6)
All continuing education hours shall be documented by a certificate of completion or attendance bearing:(a)
A signature or other verification of the provider;(b)
The name of the licensee in attendance;(c)
The title of the course or meeting attended or completed;(d)
The date of attendance or completion;(e)
The number of hours earned; and(f)
Evidence of the method of delivery if the course was taken in a live interactive presentation format.(7)
The licensee shall be responsible for obtaining the qualifying documentation of continuing education from the provider or organization and to retain those documents for a minimum of five (5) years.(8)
During the license renewal process, licensees shall attest to their compliance with the requirements of this section.(9)
Licensees shallSection 6.
Limited Practice Continuing Education Waivers(1)
A licensee who has practiced in Kentucky for at least twenty (20) years and desires to continue practicing only in a relief or emergency capacity may receive a limited practice waiver of their general continuing education requirements if the request is submitted to and approved by the board.(2)
A licensee who has been granted a limited practice waiver shall:(a)
Not be required to complete continuing education hours if practicing for not more than thirty (30) days in a calendar year;(b)
Only complete at least one-half the continuing education hours if practicing more than thirty (30) days but not more than ninety (90) days in a calendar year; or(c)
Complete at least the full thirty (30) hours of continuing education if practicing for more than ninety days in a calendar year.(3)
A limited practice waiver shall:(a)
Be issued for a single, two (2) year(b)
Apply to general continuing education requirements only. Licensees shall still be required to complete all required hours for CPR certification or expanded functions beyond general licensure.Section 7.
Renewal of a Dental Hygiene License.(1)
All dental hygienist licenses issued by the board shall expire on December 31 of even-numbered years and shall(a)
Submit a completed and signed Application for Renewal of Dental Hygiene Licensure;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(c)
Maintain an active certification in CPR or a more comprehensive program that meets or exceeds the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC; and(d)
Meet the continuing education requirements as established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.(2)
A licensee who has not actively practiced dental hygiene in the two (2) years preceding the filing of the renewal application shall complete a continuing education plan approved by the board prior to resuming the active practice of dental hygiene.(3)
A licensee desiring renewal of a charitable limited dental hygiene license shall repeat the initial licensure process required by Section 4 of this administrative regulation.Section 8.Section 7.
Retirement of a Dental Hygiene License.(1)
A licensee desiring to no longer hold an active dental hygiene license shall submit a completed and signed Retirement of License Form.(2)
Upon receipt of this form, the board shall send written confirmation of retirement to the address provided.(3)
A licensee shall not retire a license that has pending disciplinary action against it.(4)
A license that is not properly retired or renewed shall be considered expired for reinstatement purposes.Section 9.Section 8.
Reinstatement of a Dental Hygiene License.(1)
A former licensee desiring reinstatement of an expired or properly retired dental hygiene license in Kentucky shall:(a)
Submit a completed and signed Application to Reinstate Dental or Dental Hygiene Licensure with an attached applicant photo taken within the past six (6) months;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(c)
Hold an active certification in CPR or a more comprehensive program that meets or exceeds the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC;(d)
Provide verification of any license to practice dental hygiene obtained in any state or other licensing jurisdiction since the applicant was first licensed in Kentucky;(e)
Submit to a nationwide state and federal criminal background check by fingerprint through the Department of Kentucky State Police; and(f)
Provide a written explanation for any positive returns on a query of the National Practitioner Data Bank.(2)
An applicant who has not actively practiced dental hygiene in the two (2) years preceding the filing of the reinstatement application shall complete a continuing education plan approved by the board prior to resuming the active practice of dental hygiene.(3)
A former licensee who applies to reinstate an expired license that was not properly retired shall pay(a)
The expired license reinstatement fee established in 201 KAR 8:520 if applying less than two (2) years from when the license was last active; or(b)
The same reinstatement fees as a properly retired license if applying more than two (2) years from when the license was last active.Section 10.Section 9.
Verification of Licensure. An individual desiring an official verification of a dental hygiene license held currently or previously in Kentucky shall:(1)
Submit a signed and completed Verification of Licensure or Registration Form; and(2)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520.Section 11.Section 10.
Requirements for Local Anesthesia Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to administer infiltration or block anesthesia shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520; and(c)
Complete an educational program from a dental or dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) that meets or exceeds the requirements established in KRS 313.060(10).(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to administer local anesthesia.(3)
A dental hygienist shall not administer local anesthesia in Kentucky unless the licensee:(a)
Holds a current board-issued registration in local anesthesia; and(b)
Performs these procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.(4)
A licensed dental hygienist holding a local anesthesia registration from the board and who has not administered block or infiltration anesthesia for one (1) year, shall complete a board-approved continuing education course prior to resuming the practice of that specific technique.Section 12.Section 11.
Requirements for General Supervision Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to practice under general supervision as provided for in KRS 313.040(6) shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Obtain at least(c)
Complete a live three (3) hour course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration under general supervision.(3)
A dentist who employs a dental hygienist who has met the standards of this administrative regulation and who allows the dental hygienist to provide dental hygiene services pursuant to KRS 313.040(7), shall complete a written order stating(4)
The minimum requirements for the written order shall include:(a)
Medical history update;(b)
Radiographic records requested;(c)
Dental hygiene procedures requested;(d)
Name of the patient;(e)
Date of last oral examination;(f)
Date of the written order; and(g)
Signature of the dentist.(5)
The oral examination of the patient by the supervising dentist shall have been completed within the eleven (11)(6)
The supervising dentist shall evaluate and provide to the board written validation of an employed dental hygienist's skills necessary to perform dental hygiene services established in KRS 313.040(7) as part of the Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations.(7)
The supervising dentist shall provide a written protocol addressing the medically compromised patients who may or may not be treated by the dental hygienist. The dental hygienist shall only treat patients who are in the ASA Patient Physical Status Classification of ASA I or ASA II as established in(8)
During each biennial license period, a dental hygienist registered in general supervision shall complete a live, three (3) hour course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies to maintain registration upon license renewal. These hours may be included in the thirty (30) overall continuing education hours required for license renewal.(9)
A dental hygienist shall not practice under general supervision unless the licensee holds a current board-issued general supervision registration.Section 13.Section 12.
Requirements for Intravenous Access Line Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to start intravenous (IV) access lines shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520; and(c)
Complete a board-approved course in starting IV access lines.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to start IV access lines.(3)
A dental hygienist shall not start IV access lines in Kentucky unless the licensee:(a)
Holds a current board-issued registration to start IV access lines; and(b)
WorksSection 14.Section 13.
Requirements for Laser Debridement Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to perform laser debridement shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520; and(c)
Complete a board-approved course in performing laser debridement.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to perform laser debridement.(3)
A dental hygienist shall not perform laser debridement in Kentucky unless the licensee:(a)
Holds a current board-issued registration to perform laser debridement; and(b)
WorksSection 15.Section 14.
Requirements for Public Health Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to practice as a public health registered dental hygienist shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Obtain at least(c)
Complete a live three (3) hour course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to practice as a public health registered dental hygienist.(3)
A public health registered dental hygienist may(4)
A public health registered dental hygienist shall only treat a patient who is in the ASA Patient Physical Status Classification of ASA I or ASA II as established in the current edition of Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students, as incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 8:550 except as established(5)
(a)
Gross debridement;(b)
Silver diamine fluoride application; and(c)
Atraumatic restorative therapy.(6)(5)
Pursuant to KRS 313.040(8)(c), a public health registered dental hygienist shall only perform the following services as established(a)
Oral assessment;(b)
Oral Hygiene instruction;(c)
Nutritional counseling;(d)
Tobacco counseling; € High-risk(f)
Prophylaxis – adult;(g)
Prophylaxis – child;(h)
Pit and fissure sealants;(i)
Fluoride application(j)
Unspecified preventative procedure, by report.(7)
A public health registered dental hygienist shall not:(a)
Restrict care based on a patient's insurance status or ability to pay; or(b)
Require out-of-pocket payments from patients.(8)(6)
Informed consent shall be obtained by the patient or legal guardian of the patient prior to providing services and shall include:(a)
The name of the public health entity, including the name of the dentist, that assumes responsibility and control;(b)
A request for the patient's current dental provider, if any; and(c)
A statement that services are provided by a dental hygienist without the direct supervision of a dentist.(9)(7)
At the conclusion of each patient visit, the treating public health entity(a)
Provide the patient or legal guardian of the patient with a standardized handout of all available community resources; and(b)
Document that the referral to a dental home through the patient or legal guardian has begun within fourteen (14) days of the preventive visit for the patient with obvious dental needs.(10)(8)
This administrative regulation shall not preclude a Kentucky-licensed dentist from directly participating in a public health program as referenced in KRS 313.040(8)(c).(11)(9)
During each biennial license period, a dental hygienist registered in public health dental hygiene shall complete at least nine (9) hours of continuing education to maintain public health registration upon license renewal.(a)
These hours shall include:1.
Six (6) hours of continuing education in public health or public dental health; and2.
Three (3) hours of continuing education in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.(b)
The hours of continuing education required by paragraph (a) of this subsection may be included in the thirty (30) overall continuing education hours required for license renewal.Section 16.Section 15.
Issuance of Initial Licensure. Upon an applicant's completion of all requirements for dental hygiene licensure, within six (6) months of the date the application was received, the board shall:(1)
Issue a license in sequential numerical order; or(2)
Deny licensure due to a violation of KRS Chapter 313 or 201 KAR Chapter 8.Section 17.Section 16.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The following material is incorporated by reference:(a)
"Application for Charitable Limited Licensure", January 2024;(b)
"Application for Dental Hygiene Licensure", September 2024;(c)
"Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations", September 2024(d)
"Application for Renewal of Dental Hygiene Licensure", September 2024;(e)
"Application to Reinstate Dental or Dental Hygiene Licensure", January 2024;(f)
"Retirement of License Form", January 2024;(g)
"Verification of Licensure or Registration Form", January 2024;(h)
"2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC", Copyright 2024 American Heart Association"; and(i)
"CDT 2025: Current Dental Terminology, Copyright© 2024 American Dental Association".(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. This material is also available on the board's Web site at http://dentistry.ky.gov.FILED WITH LRC: August 11, 2026
CONTACT PERSON: Jeff Allen, Executive Director, Kentucky Board of Dentistry, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, phone (502) 429-7280, fax (502) 429-7282, email jeffrey.allen@ky.gov.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Dentistry
(Amended at ARRS Committee)
201 KAR 8:563.Licensure of dental hygienists.
Section 1.
General Licensure Requirements. An applicant desiring initial licensure in Kentucky as a dental hygienist shall:(1)
Understand, read, speak, and write the English language with a comprehension and performance level equal to at least the ninth grade of education, verified by testing as necessary;(2)
Submit a completed and signed Application for Dental Hygiene Licensure with an attached applicant photo taken within the past six (6) months;(3)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(4)
Not be the subject of disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 313 that would prevent licensure;(5)
Complete and pass the board's jurisprudence exam;(6)
Hold an active certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a more comprehensive program that meets or exceeds the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC;(7)
Submit to a nationwide state and federal criminal background check by fingerprint through the Department of Kentucky State Police;(8)
Provide verification of any license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene held previously or currently in any state or other licensing jurisdiction;(9)
Hold at least one (1) of the following:(a)
An Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); or(b)
A degree from a dental school located outside the United States, equivalent to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), as determined by the board;(10)
Successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), conducted by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE);(11)
Provide a written explanation for any positive returns on a query of the National Practitioner Data Bank; and(12)
Complete all additional requirements for at least one (1) of the following:(a)
Licensure by clinical examination; or(b)
Licensure by credentials.Section 2.
Requirements for Licensure by Clinical Examination.(1)
An individual desiring initial licensure in Kentucky as a dental hygienist by clinical examination shall:(a)
Complete all requirements in Section 1 of this administrative regulation; and(b)
Successfully complete all components of at least one (1) of the following clinical examinations within five (5) years preceding the filing of the application:1.
The dental hygiene examination of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) or its predecessor agencies;2.
The dental hygiene examination of the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) or its predecessor agencies; or3.
The Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DHLOSCE) of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).(2)
An individual applying more than two (2) years after graduating with a degree in dentistry or dental hygiene, shall:(a)
Hold a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in good standing in another state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction; or(b)
Complete a continuing education plan approved by the board.(3)
An applicant who has taken a clinical examination three (3) times and failed to achieve a passing score shall complete a remediation plan approved by the board.Section 3.
Requirements for Licensure by Credentials. An individual desiring initial licensure in Kentucky as a dental hygienist by credentials shall:(1)
Complete all requirements in Section 1 of this administrative regulation;(2)
Provide proof of having passed a state, regional, or national clinical examination used to determine clinical competency in dental hygiene in a state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction; and(3)
Be licensed and actively practicing dental hygiene in another state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction for at least five (5) of the six (6) years preceding the filing of the application.Section 4.
Requirements for Charitable Limited Dental Hygiene Licensure.(1)
An individual desiring limited licensure in Kentucky to provide charitable dental hygiene services shall:(a)
Understand, read, speak, and write the English language with a comprehension and performance level equal to at least the ninth grade of education, verified by testing as necessary;(b)
Submit a completed and signed Application for Charitable Limited Licensure with an attached applicant photo taken within the past six (6) months;(c)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(d)
Not be the subject of disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 313 that would prevent licensure;(e)
Hold a license to practice dental hygiene in good standing in another state or other U.S. licensing jurisdiction; and(f)
Provide a written explanation for any positive returns on a query of the National Practitioner Data Bank.(2)
A charitable limited dental hygiene license holder shall:(a)
Work only with charitable entities registered with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and listed at https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/hcab/Pages/charitablehc.aspx that have met the requirements of KRS 313.254 and 201 KAR 8:581.(b)
Only perform procedures allowed by KRS 313.254, which shall be completed within the duration of the charitable event;(c)
Be eligible for the provisions of medical malpractice insurance procured pursuant to KRS 304.40-075; and(d)
Perform these duties without expectation of compensation or charge to the individual and without payment or reimbursement by any governmental agency or insurer.Section 5.
Continuing Education Requirements.(1)
A Kentucky licensed dental hygienist shall complete at least thirty (30) hours of continuing education during the two (2) year licensure period established by KRS 313.030(2) except that:(a)
A licensee who was issued a new or reinstated license in the second year of the current biennial license period shall only complete at least one-half (1/2) the required hours for that period;(b)
A licensee who graduated in the first year of the current biennial license period shall only complete at least one-half (1/2) the required hours for that period;(c)
A licensee who graduated in the second year of the current biennial license period shall not be required to complete continuing education hours for that period;(d)
A charitable limited license holder shall not be required to complete continuing education hours;(e)
A licensee may be granted a medical hardship waiver or deferment if the request is submitted to and approved by the board; or(f)
A licensee may be granted a limited practice waiver as established for in Section 6 of this administrative regulation.(2)
Acceptable continuing education content shall include:(a)
Competency in treating patients who are medically compromised or who experience medical emergencies during the course of dental hygiene treatment;(b)
Pharmaceutical products and proper use protocols of medications;(c)
Awareness of currently accepted methods of infection control;(d)
Basic medical and scientific subjects;(e)
Clinical and technological subjects;(f)
Patient management, safety, and oral healthcare;(g)
Mass casualty or mass immunization situations;(h)
Clinical dental hygiene performed on a charitable or volunteer basis;(i)
Business operations and best practices; and(j)
Dental or dental hygiene association or society business meetings.(3)
The thirty (30) hours of continuing education shall include:(a)
A minimum of ten (10) hours taken in a live interactive presentation format;(b)
A maximum of ten (10) hours that meet the requirements of subsection (2)(h) - (j) of this section; and(c)
A minimum of one-half (1/2) hour in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) or Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN).(4)
Dental hygienists registered to practice under general supervision shall also meet the continuing education requirements of Section 12(8) of this administrative regulation.(5)
Dental hygienists registered to practice as public health hygienists shall also meet the continuing education requirements of Section 15(11) of this administrative regulation.(6)
All continuing education hours shall be documented by a certificate of completion or attendance bearing:(a)
A signature or other verification of the provider;(b)
The name of the licensee in attendance;(c)
The title of the course or meeting attended or completed;(d)
The date of attendance or completion;(e)
The number of hours earned; and(f)
Evidence of the method of delivery if the course was taken in a live interactive presentation format.(7)
The licensee shall be responsible for obtaining the qualifying documentation of continuing education from the provider or organization and to retain those documents for a minimum of five (5) years.(8)
During the license renewal process, licensees shall attest to their compliance with the requirements of this section.(9)
Licensees shall be subject to audit of their compliance with the requirements of this section.Section 6.
Limited Practice Continuing Education Waivers(1)
A licensee who has practiced in Kentucky for at least twenty (20) years and desires to continue practicing only in a relief or emergency capacity may receive a limited practice waiver of their general continuing education requirements if the request is submitted to and approved by the board.(2)
A licensee who has been granted a limited practice waiver shall:(a)
Not be required to complete continuing education hours if practicing for not more than thirty (30) days in a calendar year;(b)
Only complete at least one-half the continuing education hours if practicing more than thirty (30) days but not more than ninety (90) days in a calendar year; or(c)
Complete at least the full thirty (30) hours of continuing education if practicing for more than ninety days in a calendar year.(3)
A limited practice waiver shall:(a)
Be issued for a single, two (2) year cycle per licensee and shall not be repeated; and(b)
Apply to general continuing education requirements only. Licensees shall still be required to complete all required hours for CPR certification or expanded functions beyond general licensure.Section 7.
Renewal of a Dental Hygiene License.(1)
All dental hygienist licenses issued by the board shall expire on December 31 of even-numbered years and shall be renewed to remain active. A licensee desiring renewal of an active dental hygiene license shall:(a)
Submit a completed and signed Application for Renewal of Dental Hygiene Licensure;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(c)
Maintain an active certification in CPR or a more comprehensive program that meets or exceeds the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC; and(d)
Meet the continuing education requirements as established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.(2)
A licensee who has not actively practiced dental hygiene in the two (2) years preceding the filing of the renewal application shall complete a continuing education plan approved by the board prior to resuming the active practice of dental hygiene.(3)
A licensee desiring renewal of a charitable limited dental hygiene license shall repeat the initial licensure process required by Section 4 of this administrative regulation.Section 8.
Retirement of a Dental Hygiene License.(1)
A licensee desiring to no longer hold an active dental hygiene license shall submit a completed and signed Retirement of License Form.(2)
Upon receipt of this form, the board shall send written confirmation of retirement to the address provided.(3)
A licensee shall not retire a license that has pending disciplinary action against it.(4)
A license that is not properly retired or renewed shall be considered expired for reinstatement purposes.Section 9.
Reinstatement of a Dental Hygiene License.(1)
A former licensee desiring reinstatement of an expired or properly retired dental hygiene license in Kentucky shall:(a)
Submit a completed and signed Application to Reinstate Dental or Dental Hygiene Licensure with an attached applicant photo taken within the past six (6) months;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520;(c)
Hold an active certification in CPR or a more comprehensive program that meets or exceeds the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC;(d)
Provide verification of any license to practice dental hygiene obtained in any state or other licensing jurisdiction since the applicant was first licensed in Kentucky;(e)
Submit to a nationwide state and federal criminal background check by fingerprint through the Department of Kentucky State Police; and(f)
Provide a written explanation for any positive returns on a query of the National Practitioner Data Bank.(2)
An applicant who has not actively practiced dental hygiene in the two (2) years preceding the filing of the reinstatement application shall complete a continuing education plan approved by the board prior to resuming the active practice of dental hygiene.(3)
A former licensee who applies to reinstate an expired license that was not properly retired shall pay:(a)
The expired license reinstatement fee established in 201 KAR 8:520 if applying less than two (2) years from when the license was last active; or(b)
The same reinstatement fees as a properly retired license if applying more than two (2) years from when the license was last active.Section 10.
Verification of Licensure. An individual desiring an official verification of a dental hygiene license held currently or previously in Kentucky shall:(1)
Submit a signed and completed Verification of Licensure or Registration Form; and(2)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520.Section 11.
Requirements for Local Anesthesia Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to administer infiltration or block anesthesia shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520; and(c)
Complete an educational program from a dental or dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) that meets or exceeds the requirements established in KRS 313.060(10).(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to administer local anesthesia.(3)
A dental hygienist shall not administer local anesthesia in Kentucky unless the licensee:(a)
Holds a current board-issued registration in local anesthesia; and(b)
Performs these procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.(4)
A licensed dental hygienist holding a local anesthesia registration from the board and who has not administered block or infiltration anesthesia for one (1) year, shall complete a board-approved continuing education course prior to resuming the practice of that specific technique.Section 12.
Requirements for General Supervision Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to practice under general supervision as provided for in KRS 313.040(6) shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Obtain at least 3,000 hours of verifiable work experience in the practice of dental hygiene; and(c)
Complete a live three (3) hour course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration under general supervision.(3)
A dentist who employs a dental hygienist who has met the standards of this administrative regulation and who allows the dental hygienist to provide dental hygiene services pursuant to KRS 313.040(7), shall complete a written order stating the dental service or procedure to be performed on a specific patient by the dental hygienist and shall retain the original order in the patient's dental record.(4)
The minimum requirements for the written order shall include:(a)
Medical history update;(b)
Radiographic records requested;(c)
Dental hygiene procedures requested;(d)
Name of the patient;(e)
Date of last oral examination;(f)
Date of the written order; and(g)
Signature of the dentist.(5)
The oral examination of the patient by the supervising dentist shall have been completed within the eleven (11) months preceding treatment by the dental hygienist practicing under general supervision.(6)
The supervising dentist shall evaluate and provide to the board written validation of an employed dental hygienist's skills necessary to perform dental hygiene services established in KRS 313.040(7) as part of the Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations.(7)
The supervising dentist shall provide a written protocol addressing the medically compromised patients who may or may not be treated by the dental hygienist. The dental hygienist shall only treat patients who are in the ASA Patient Physical Status Classification of ASA I or ASA II as established in Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students, as incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 8:550.(8)
During each biennial license period, a dental hygienist registered in general supervision shall complete a live, three (3) hour course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies to maintain registration upon license renewal. These hours may be included in the thirty (30) overall continuing education hours required for license renewal.(9)
A dental hygienist shall not practice under general supervision unless the licensee holds a current board-issued general supervision registration.Section 13.
Requirements for Intravenous Access Line Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to start intravenous (IV) access lines shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520; and(c)
Complete a board-approved course in starting IV access lines.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to start IV access lines.(3)
A dental hygienist shall not start IV access lines in Kentucky unless the licensee:(a)
Holds a current board-issued registration to start IV access lines; and(b)
Works under the direct supervision of a dentist who holds either a Moderate Sedation Permit or Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia Permit issued pursuant to 201 KAR 8:550.Section 14.
Requirements for Laser Debridement Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to perform laser debridement shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Pay the fee required by 201 KAR 8:520; and(c)
Complete a board-approved course in performing laser debridement.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to perform laser debridement.(3)
A dental hygienist shall not perform laser debridement in Kentucky unless the licensee:(a)
Holds a current board-issued registration to perform laser debridement; and(b)
Works under the direct supervision of a dentist.Section 15.
Requirements for Public Health Registration.(1)
A licensed dental hygienist who desires to practice as a public health registered dental hygienist shall:(a)
Submit a signed and completed Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations;(b)
Obtain at least3,000 hours of verifiable work experience in the practice of dental hygiene; and(c)
Complete a live three (3) hour course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.(2)
Upon authorizing a licensee to practice pursuant to this section, the board shall issue an updated dental hygiene license indicating registration to practice as a public health registered dental hygienist.(3)
A public health registered dental hygienist may only practice public health hygiene in accordance with KRS 313.040(8).(4)
A public health registered dental hygienist shall only treat a patient who is in the ASA Patient Physical Status Classification of ASA I or ASA II as established in the current edition of Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students, as incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 8:550 except as established in subsection (5) of this section.(5)
A public health registered dental hygienist may provide comprehensive preventive care in nursing facilities as established by KRS 216B, with no limitation of services on the basis of ASA classification, including:(a)
Gross debridement;(b)
Silver diamine fluoride application; and(c)
Atraumatic restorative therapy.(6)
Pursuant to KRS 313.040(8)(c), a public health registered dental hygienist shall only perform the following services as established by Current Dental Terminology:(a)
Oral assessment;(b)
Oral Hygiene instruction;(c)
Nutritional counseling;(d)
Tobacco counseling; € High-risk substance counseling;(f)
Prophylaxis – adult;(g)
Prophylaxis – child;(h)
Pit and fissure sealants;(i)
Fluoride application; and(j)
Unspecified preventative procedure, by report.(7)
A public health registered dental hygienist shall not:(a)
Restrict care based on a patient's insurance status or ability to pay; or(b)
Require out-of-pocket payments from patients.(8)
Informed consent shall be obtained by the patient or legal guardian of the patient prior to providing services and shall include:(a)
The name of the public health entity, including the name of the dentist, that assumes responsibility and control;(b)
A request for the patient's current dental provider, if any; and(c)
A statement that services are provided by a dental hygienist without the direct supervision of a dentist.(9)
At the conclusion of each patient visit, the treating public health entity shall:(a)
Provide the patient or legal guardian of the patient with a standardized handout of all available community resources; and(b)
Document that the referral to a dental home through the patient or legal guardian has begun within fourteen (14) days of the preventive visit for the patient with obvious dental needs.(10)
This administrative regulation shall not preclude a Kentucky-licensed dentist from directly participating in a public health program as referenced in KRS 313.040(8)(c).(11)
During each biennial license period, a dental hygienist registered in public health dental hygiene shall complete at least nine (9) hours of continuing education to maintain public health registration upon license renewal.(a)
These hours shall include:1.
Six (6) hours of continuing education in public health or public dental health; and2.
Three (3) hours of continuing education in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.(b)
The hours of continuing education required by paragraph (a) of this subsection may be included in the thirty (30) overall continuing education hours required for license renewal.Section 16.
Issuance of Initial Licensure. Upon an applicant's completion of all requirements for dental hygiene licensure, within six (6) months of the date the application was received, the board shall:(1)
Issue a license in sequential numerical order; or(2)
Deny licensure due to a violation of KRS Chapter 313 or 201 KAR Chapter 8.Section 17.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The following material is incorporated by reference:(a)
"Application for Charitable Limited Licensure", January 2024;(b)
"Application for Dental Hygiene Licensure", September 2024;(c)
"Application for Dental Hygiene Special Registrations", September 2024(d)
"Application for Renewal of Dental Hygiene Licensure", September 2024;(e)
"Application to Reinstate Dental or Dental Hygiene Licensure", January 2024;(f)
"Retirement of License Form", January 2024;(g)
"Verification of Licensure or Registration Form", January 2024;(h)
"2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC", Copyright 2024 American Heart Association"; and(i)
"CDT 2025: Current Dental Terminology, Copyright© 2024 American Dental Association".(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. This material is also available on the board's Web site at http://dentistry.ky.gov.FILED WITH LRC: August 11, 2026
CONTACT PERSON: Jeff Allen, Executive Director, Kentucky Board of Dentistry, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, phone (502) 429-7280, fax (502) 429-7282, email jeffrey.allen@ky.gov.