Appendix G to Part 75 - Standards for Licensing Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants in Dental Radiography
42:1.0.1.6.62.0.15.4.16 : Appendix G
Appendix G to Part 75 - Standards for Licensing Dental Hygienists
and Dental Assistants in Dental Radiography
The following section describes basic elements to be
incorporated in credentialing programs of States that choose to
regulate personnel who perform radiologic procedures.
Currently, Dental Hygienists are credentialed through individual
State licensure processes, all of which include assessment of
competence in dental radiography. In all States, Dental Hygienists
are required to be licensed prior to practicing. The existing State
dental hygiene licensure processes meet the intent and purpose of
the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 and
the standards for licensing Dental Hygienists in dental radiography
set forth below.
A. Licensure/Permit
1. To those who have passed a licensure or designated dental
radiography examination, a license or permit shall be issued by the
State entity responsible for credentialing dental personnel.
2. Licenses or permits shall be renewed at periodic
intervals.
B. Eligibility
1. An individual shall provide proof of graduating student
status or graduation from an accredited or approved dental hygiene
or dental assisting education program.
2. For dental assistants, special eligibility to take the
examination shall be provided to applicants with appropriate
combinations of training and/or experience.
C. Examination
A criterion-referenced examination in dental radiography shall
be utilized to test the knowledge and competencies of
applicants.
D. Continuing Competency
The Dental Hygienist or Dental Assistant shall be required to
maintain continuing competency in the area in which he/she is
practicing.
E. Policies and Procedures
An organization that seeks to be recognized for the certifying
of personnel shall adopt definite policies to ensure validity,
objectivity, and fairness in the certifying process. The National
Commission for Health Certifying Agencies (NCHCA) has published
suitable criteria for a certifying organization to adopt with
respect to policies for: (1) Determination of appropriate
examination content (but not the actual content for any specific
occupation); (2) construction of examinations; (3) administration
of examinations; and (4) fulfilling responsibilities to applicants.
An organization (whether an NCHCA member or not) that adopts these
or equivalent criteria will meet all of the requirements of this
section of these standards.