Section 34-9-26 - Examination, qualifications, licensing, etc., of dental hygienists(a)(1) No individual shall practice as a dental hygienist in this state until he or she is duly licensed and currently registered as a dental hygienist pursuant to this chapter.(b) The board may issue licenses and license certificates to practice as dental hygienists to applicants who have passed the examination and have been found qualified by the board. Alternatively, the board may deny licenses or license certificates in instances where it determines that doing so would be inconsistent with the public interest and the promotion of public health and safety.(c) The license certificate and annual registration certificate shall be displayed in the office in which the dental hygienist is employed.(d) No applicant shall be entitled to a license and license certificate unless he or she is 19 years of age and of good moral character.(e) Each applicant for examination and license as a dental hygienist shall meet either of the following requirements: (1) Has graduated from a school of dental hygiene which has been approved by the board.(2) Has served as a dental assistant for a period of time established by board rule and shall have served at least one year as a dental hygienist trainee under a training permit issued by the board to a qualified dentist practicing in this state in accordance with the dental hygienist training program established by the board.(f) Any person practicing in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and the board may impose the penalties outlined in Section 34-9-18 for such violation.Ala. Code § 34-9-26 (1975)
Amended by Act 2023-362,§ 1, eff. 9/1/2023.Amended by Act 2018-274,§ 1, eff. 6/1/2018.Amended by Act 2013-252,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2013.Acts 1959, No. 100, p. 569, §35; Acts 1979, No. 79-427, p. 668, §1(e); Acts 1985, No. 85-697, p. 1120, §1; Acts 2001-269, p. 328, §3; Act 2009-18, p. 43, § 5; Act 2011-571, § 1.