(a) The dental hygiene board shall perform the following functions:

(1) Evaluate all registered dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, and registered dental hygienist in extended functions educational programs that apply for approval and grant or deny approval of those applications in accordance with regulations adopted by the dental hygiene board. Any such educational programs approved by the dental board on or before June 30, 2009, shall be deemed approved by the dental hygiene board. Any dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation may be approved.

(2) Withdraw or revoke its prior approval of a registered dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, or registered dental hygienist in extended functions educational program in accordance with regulations adopted by the dental hygiene board. The dental hygiene board may withdraw or revoke a dental hygiene program approval if the Commission on Dental Accreditation has indicated an intent to withdraw approval or has withdrawn approval.

(3) Review and evaluate all registered dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, and registered dental hygienist in extended functions applications for licensure to ascertain whether the applicant meets the appropriate licensing requirements specified by statute and regulations, maintain application records, cashier application fees, issue and renew licenses, and perform any other tasks that are incidental to the application and licensure processes.

(4) Determine the appropriate type of license examination consistent with the provisions of this article, and develop or cause to be developed and administer examinations in accordance with regulations adopted by the dental hygiene board.

(5) Determine the amount of fees assessed under this article, not to exceed the actual cost.

(6) Determine and enforce the continuing education requirements specified in Section 1936.1.

(7) Deny, suspend, or revoke a license under this article, or otherwise enforce the provisions of this article. Any such proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the dental hygiene board shall have all of the powers granted therein.

(8) Make recommendations to the dental board regarding dental hygiene scope of practice issues.

(9) Adopt, amend, and revoke rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this article, including the amount of required supervision by a registered dental hygienist, a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, or a registered dental hygienist in extended functions of a registered dental assistant.

(b) The dental hygiene board may employ employees and examiners that it deems necessary to carry out its functions and responsibilities under this article.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 456, Sec. 8. (SB 786) Effective January 1, 2020.)