Q: How often do I have to have OSHA training?

Yearly. It is a federal mandate. Everyone in the office needs a yearly update actually, including non-clinical staff. The training can be in person or online, but you must be able to ask questions during the session and how it pertains to your office specifically. The office needs both a written exposure plan and hazard communication plan. If N95 masks are being used, there needs to be a respiratory protection plan in place.

Question 1

Where can I find the Missouri Dental Board General Rules?

Accepted Answer

Here

Question 2

When and how often do I have to update my Dental Hygiene License?

Accepted Answer

Every 2 years in November of the even year.

Question 3

How much does it cost to renew my license? ​

Accepted Answer

$60​

Question 4

How many continuing education (C.E.) credits do I need?

Accepted Answer

30 hours during the two (2)-year period immediately preceding the renewal period.​

Question 5

Who can I take continuing education (C.E.) hours through?

Accepted Answer

The Missouri Dental Board approved sponsors are:

1. American Dental Association (ADA) and its constituent and component societies;
2. Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and its state and local affiliates;
3. ADA-recognized dental specialty organizations and their state and local affiliates;
4. National Dental Association and its state and local affiliates;
5. American Dental Hygienists’ Association and its constituents and component societies;
6. National Dental Hygienists’ Association and its state and local affiliates;
7. American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association and their respective state and local societies;
8. American Nurses Association and its state and local affiliates;
9. ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation approved dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting schools;
10. ADA continuing education recognition program;
11. AGD national sponsor approved program;
12. Federal and state government agencies, including any of the branches of the military;
13. Hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations;
14. Missouri Public Health Association;
15. American Red Cross;
16. American Heart Association;
17. Any regional clinical testing service accepted by the board for initial licensure;
18. Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB);
19. American Dental Assistants Association and its constituents and component societies;
20. American Association of Dental Boards (AADB);
21. Missouri Coalition for Oral Health; and
22. Any other sponsor approved by the board.

Question 6

I have more than 30 C.E.s in my last renewal period. Can any of those hours carry over?

Accepted Answer

Yes, up to 15 hours.

Question 7

I renewed my license. Do I really need to keep these old CE certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, keep those for 6 years!

Question 8

I just graduated. When do I need to start taking continuing education classes?

Accepted Answer

If someone is licensed by exam, then they are exempt from the C.E. requirements for the reporting period in which they were originally licensed.  For example, a new graduate who was licensed by exam anytime during December 1, 2022 - November 30, 2024, would not have to obtain any C.E. hours to renew that license in 2024.

Here is the language from the Rules:
(D) Individuals who obtain a license by competency examination shall be exempt from the continuing education  requirement for the remainder of the time block in which s/he  became licensed.

Question 9

How often do I have to have OSHA training?

Accepted Answer

Yearly. It is a federal mandate. ​
Everyone in the office needs a yearly update actually, including non-clinical staff.
The training can be in person or online, but you must be able to ask questions during the session and how it pertains to your office specifically. 
The office needs both a written exposure plan and hazard communication plan. 
If N95 masks are being used, there needs to be a respiratory protection plan in place.

Question 10

Does a patient have to have an exam by the dentist each dental visit?

Accepted Answer

As long as the patient is established as a patient of record and has an exam by the dentist within 12 months, it is fine to proceed with hygiene services without an exam. 
​Please refer to the Dental Practice Act Rules on page 3 (6) "Patient of Record" for more detailed information.

Question 11

Can I practice dental hygiene without a dentist present in Missouri?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. It depends on the services being provided and in what setting. Read the document provided for more information.

Question 12

Can I provide local anesthesia to my patient if the dentist is not present in the building?

Accepted Answer

Yes for ASA class I and II. This was effective as of November 30, 2024.​
Please see the Rule change final wording and become familiar with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classifications that this rule change will enforce below :

Question 13

Can a dental hygienist perform oral screenings without supervision?

Accepted Answer

Under 332.081 dental hygienists can perform oral screening and place fluoride due if they are working with certain entities such as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) and Preventive Services Program (PSP) or other allowable entities such as a public health department. It is not allowable under other circumstances.

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS