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Inactivating and Reinstating Your License

Inactive Status | FAQs - Inactive and Reinstatement

Reinstatement of Dental Hygienist License

Registered dental hygienists whose licenses are in inactive status may apply to have their license reinstated as set forth in N.D.C.C. 43-20-06 and N.D.A.C. 20-04-01-01-07. (Licenses that are NOT in inactive status may not be reinstated. Individuals who no longer have an active or inactive license and wish to resume practice must reapply for a license using the processes found here: Initial Application - Dental Hygienist - ND Dental Board).Reinstatement applications and the associated application fee must be completed and submitted to the Board. 
Requirements of reinstatement and set forth on the application form, and include:

1. Proof that the dental hygienist has completed 16 hours of continuing education in accordance with Administrative Rule 20-04-01 within two years of application. The total includes evidence of both infection control and CPR within the last 2 years. The Board allows up to 8 hours of self-study or online courses. Live webinars do not count towards the limit because they allow for interaction with the presenter. 
2. Grounds for denial of the application under NDCC § 43-28-18 do not exist.
3. The applicant must deliver to the board license verification from the examining or licensing board of every jurisdiction in which the individual is or was licensed to practice, certifying that the individual is or was licensed. 
4. The applicant provides explanation and proof of their employment in clinical dental practice or dental education for the five years prior to application. Examples of proof of employment include W2 or a notarized letter from employer.
5. The applicant has passed the Jurisprudence Exam, a written examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry in this state administered by the board.
6. Sedation/Anesthesia administration requires a renewable permit - Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, restorative functions, and anesthesia assistant. FMI: Expanded function permits
7. The Board may require reexamination of clinical skills.

Download Reinstatement Application Packet

Once the application and fee have been received by the Board’s office the applicant will be sent criminal background check fingerprint cards with instructions.  Processing this information may take up to 14 business days. All fees are non-refundable.

Inactive License Status

A license that is current and in good standing may converted to Inactive Status at the time of renewal, December 31 of odd numbered years. Inactive status allows you to maintain your license without revocation and continuing education requirements, but you may not practice while in Inactive status. You may wish to convert your license to  inactive status if you practice out of state or have retired. Inactive status permits the licensee to retain their license in good standing and avoid cancellation, allows the licensee to receive all NDSBDE mailings, and allows them to return to practice through the reinstatement process.

A practitioner may upon payment of an annual fee, place the license on inactive status. 

While on inactive status, the licensee may not engage in the practice of dental hygiene in North Dakota until the individual submits a reinstatement application, pays the reinstatement fee, and meets any additional requirements established by rule of the board. 

North Dakota statutes governing the practice of dental hygiene stipulate that to maintain your North Dakota inactive license you must renew your inactive license no later than December 31, of odd numbered years.  If the inactive license is not renewed the license is cancelled. 

Pursuant to Section 20-04-01-07 a hygiensts license on inactive status may be reinstated prior to the next license expiration date provided grounds for denial of the application under the North Dakota Century Code section 43-28-18 do not exist.

INACTIVE RENEWAL FOR HYGIENISTS

FAQs - Inactive and Reinstatement

• Who is eligible to apply for reinstatement? 
• How do I maintain my inactive status?
• What if I fail to renew the inactive status by December 31^st?
• Once I have submitted the application and requirements, when will I receive the license?

Who is eligible to apply for reinstatement? 

To reinstate a license the applicant must be a dental or dental hygiene licenses in inactive status in North Dakota. The Board maintains records of licensure for ten years. Therefore, if you have not maintained INACTIVE STATUS in ND for ten years previous to the REINSTATEMENT application, you may be required to reapply for licensure.

 How do I maintain my inactive status?

To renew inactive status licensees are sent a notice of renewal by mid October, annually.

 What if I fail to renew the inactive status by December 31^st?

If the Board does not receive the renewal application and fee the inactive status expires. By sending the application, application fee and late fee, the inactive status may be reinstated. If the Board does not receive the application, and fees etc., by March 1st of the odd-numbered year, the inactive status is cancelled and cannot be renewed. Individuals who seek to return to practice in the state again cannot seek reinstatement and must instead reply for licensure. 

Once I have submitted the application and requirements, when will I receive the license?

Applicants which have met the requirements of reinstatement are granted licensure upon receipt of all requirements.  Applicants may verify license status online.

INACTIVE RENEWAL FOR DENTISTS & HYGIENISTS