• Where can I find the Missouri Dental Board General Rules?

  • ​Here

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

  • Every 2 years in November of the even year.​

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• How much does it cost to renew my license? ​

  • $60​

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• How many Continue Education (CE) credits do I need? 

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

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• I have more than 30 CEs in my last renewal period. Can any of those hours carry over?

  • Yes, up to 15 hours. 

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

  • Yes, keep those for 6 years!​

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• Who can I take CE hours through?

  • Check here to see which sponsors are board approved.​

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• 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. 

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• Statute for the Practice of Dental Hygiene

 

• Statues specifically for Dental Hygienists

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

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

  • Here is a statute made for Public Health Dental Hygienists. 

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

  • 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, page 3 (6) "Patient of Record" for more detailed information. 

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

  • No. The dentist does not need to be in the operatory, but must be present on site.​

  • Missouri Dental Board is currently considering changing the practice act to allow dental hygienists to give local anesthesia under general supervision.

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• If you have questions or need help understanding the Missouri Dental Practice Act, contact the Missouri Dental Board. 

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