1.    Dental hygienist licenses expire on December thirty-first of every odd-numbered year.

2.    Licenses may be renewed by December thirty-first of the odd-numbered year by submitting a renewal application, a renewal fee established by the board by rule, and proof of completion of the continuing education requirements established by the board by rule, provided the dental hygienist’s license is not revoked or grounds for denial under section 43-20-05 do not exist.

3.    If the renewal application, renewal fee, and proof of completion of continuing education are not received by December thirty-first of the odd-numbered year, the license expires and the dental hygienist may not practice dental hygiene.

4.    Within sixty days after December thirty-first of the odd-numbered year, an expired license may be renewed by submitting the renewal application, renewal fee, proof of completion of continuing education, and a late fee established by the board by rule.

5.    If the renewal application, renewal fee, proof of completion of continuing education, and late fee are not received within sixty days after December thirty-first of the odd-numbered year, the license may not be renewed, and the dental hygienist must apply for and meet the requirements for licensure to be granted a license.

6.    The board may extend the renewal deadlines for a dental hygienist providing proof of medical or other hardship rendering the dental hygienist unable to meet the deadline.

7. The board may audit continuing education credits. Each licensee shall maintain certificates or records of continuing education activities for three years. Upon receiving notice of an audit from the board, a licensee shall provide satisfactory documentation of attendance at, or participation in, the continuing education activities listed on the licensee’s continuing education form. Failure to comply with the audit is grounds for nonrenewal of or disciplinary action against the license.