POLICY FOR RE-ENTRY INTO THE PRACTICE OF DENTAL HYGIENE BY DENTAL HYGIENISTS WHO HAVE NOT PRACTICED WITHIN FIVE YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE BY CRITERIA APPROVAL
IN THE STATE OF OHIO

Preamble: The purpose of this policy is to address what is required for a dental hygienist who wishes to be licensed in the state of Ohio by criteria approval, but who has not been engaged in the active practice of dental hygiene within five years immediately prior to the date of application.

Any applicant for licensure as a dental hygienist by criteria approval in the state of Ohio must meet the requirements outlined in Section 4715.27 of the Ohio Revised Code, and Section 4715-9-03 of the Ohio Administrative Code. In addition, any applicant who applied under these sections who has not been engaged in the active practice of dental hygiene within five (5) years immediately prior to application, must complete one of the following, before being eligible for licensure as a dental hygienist by criteria approval:

• Successful completion of a Board-approved re-entry course in dental hygiene;
• Successful passage of the examination for dental hygienists administered by the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB).

Information about Board-approved re-entry courses can be obtained by contacting the Board office.

(May 5, 1999)