The practice of dental hygiene is the removal of accumulated matter from the natural and restored surfaces of teeth and from restorations in the human mouth, the polishing of such surfaces, and the topical application of drugs to the surface tissues of the mouth and to the surface of teeth if performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist as established by the Board by rule. Specific duties that may be delegated to hygienists, including those requiring a specialized permit, are set forth in NDAC 20-04-01.
A license application must be fully completed and submitted to the Board. The applicant shall enclose with the application a recent autographed picture of the applicant and an application fee as determined by the Board by rule. NDCC ch. 43-20. Application fees are nonrefundable. Applications which are not notarized, submitted without the required licensing fee, or without the applicant’s signed photo will be returned.
ID: In lieu of applications being notarized, the Board accepts current identification documents issued within the last five years. Acceptable ID means a valid driver's license, U.S. passport, or identification card issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States. Attach a copy of the valid proof of identification to the application.
The Board investigates a dental hygienist's fitness, qualification, and previous professional record and performance. The Board may seek information from recognized data sources, including the National Practitioners Data Bank, American Association of Dental Boards, liability insurers, health care institutions, and law enforcement agencies. The Board requires initial license applicants to submit to a statewide and nationwide criminal history check.
Hygienist licenses expire on December 31st of the odd-numbered years. If you do not receive a renewal notice by email by November 15th of odd numbered years, contact the Board Office immediately.
Within 60 days after December 31st of the odd-numbered year, an expired license may be renewed by submitting the renewal application, the application fee, late fee and proof of continuing education. A dental hygienist that does not late-renew within 60 days of their license expiration may renew their license if, by the forthcoming December 31st, the individual submits a renewal application, pays the renewal fee, pays an amount equal to twice the late renewal fee, and submits other documentation sought by the board confirming the individual retains the skills necessary to practice..
Name and address changes, EMAIL address changes may be submitted in writing or by email WITHIN 30 DAYS of any change. Name changes must be accompanied by a copy of the name change document (marriage license, section in the divorce decree, etc.). You may also update your information at the CHANGE OF ADDRESS page.
The Board charges $50 if you wish to have a new large certificate mailed to you. You must send a request for the certificate and a check or money order for $50 payable to NDBDE. It may take up to 6 months for the license to be printed and mailed to you.
When submitting a self-report to the Board, submit copies of all supporting documentation. Supporting documents may include a copy of criminal charges, police reports, judgement and disposition of criminal complaint; disposition of the offense; final disposition; any orders or any pending actions; court records, settlement agreements; copies of evaluations or assessments and recommendations for treatment if any were issued.
According to the NDBDE's reporting laws, a licensee must report to the Board in writing within sixty days of the event any arrest; illegal, unethical, or errant behavior or conduct of the dental hygienist, including malpractice judgements or settlements or final judgment for or against the licensee; a final disposition regarding the surrender of a license; an adverse action taken against a license by a licensing agency in another state, territory, or country; all proceedings, or formal or informal actions by a governmental agency, a law enforcement agency, or a court for an act or conduct that would constitute grounds for discipline.
