Reinstatement requires submitting proof of continuing education, paying reinstatement fees, and passing a jurisprudence exam if your license has been inactive for more than five years
New York's Department of State, Division of Professional Licensing Services handles dental hygiene license reinstatement. The path depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered. If your license lapsed within the last five years, you typically need to show continuing education hours completed during the inactive period, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit a reinstatement process. If it has been inactive for more than five years, you will also need to pass the New York jurisprudence exam, which tests knowledge of state dental practice laws.
The reinstatement process is separate from initial licensure. You do not need to retake the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam or the Northeast Regional Board Exam. You are restoring an existing credential, not earning a new one. However, New York has specific documentation and timing requirements that vary based on how long you have been out of practice.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement requires proof of continuing education hours completed during your inactive period, the amount depending on how long your license has been lapsed.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you must pass the New York jurisprudence exam before reinstatement is approved.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from continuing education costs and must be paid when you submit your process to the Department of State.
- You can check your license status and inactive date through the Department of State's online license lookup tool to determine which reinstatement path applies to you.
- Reinstatement does not require retaking national board exams, only proof of education and state law knowledge.
Continuing Education Requirements for Reinstatement
New York requires dental hygienists to complete continuing education during their license period. If your license has been inactive, you must document the hours you completed in the years before it lapsed. The state requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years for active licensees. For reinstatement, you need to show that you met the continuing education requirement for the period your license was active.
If you let your license lapse without completing the required hours, you cannot straightforward pay a fee and reinstate. You will need to complete the missing hours before submitting your reinstatement process. Courses must be approved by the New York State Department of State or accredited by the American Dental Association. You can take these courses online or in person, but you must keep certificates of completion from the course provider.
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the continuing education requirement is waived in favor of the jurisprudence exam. This is an exception to the standard rule, designed to test current knowledge of state law rather than require years of backdated coursework.
The Jurisprudence Exam for Licenses Inactive More Than Five Years
The New York jurisprudence exam is a written test covering state dental practice laws, regulations, and ethical standards. It is required only if your license has been inactive for more than five years. The exam is administered by the Department of State and typically consists of multiple-choice questions about New York Dental Practice Act provisions, infection control standards, and scope of practice rules.
You must register for the exam through the Department of State's licensing portal. There is a separate exam fee, which varies but is typically under $100. The exam is offered at testing centers throughout New York, and you can usually schedule it within two to four weeks of registration. You need to pass with a score set by the Department of State, usually 70 percent or higher, though you should confirm the current passing score when you register.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. There is an additional fee for each retake. Many candidates study using the New York Dental Practice Act itself, which is available free on the Department of State website, and practice exams posted by dental hygiene professional organizations.
Submitting Your Reinstatement process
You submit your reinstatement process to the New York Department of State, Division of Professional Licensing Services. The process form is available on the Department of State website under "License Reinstatement" or "Inactive License Restoration." You can submit it by mail or, in some cases, through the online licensing portal if your account is still active.
Your process packet must include the completed reinstatement form, proof of continuing education (copies of certificates), the reinstatement fee, and proof of passing the jurisprudence exam if required. Do not send original certificates; send copies. The Department of State will return your process if any required document is missing, which delays processing by several weeks.
Processing time is typically four to eight weeks from the date the Department of State receives a complete process. You can check the status of your process through the Department of State's online portal using your license number. Some applicants call the Division of Professional Licensing Services to confirm receipt, which can speed up the process if documents are missing.
Reinstatement Fees and Costs
The reinstatement fee for a dental hygiene license in New York is set by the Department of State and is separate from continuing education costs. As of recent years, the reinstatement fee is typically between $100 and $200, though you should confirm the current amount on the Department of State website or by calling the licensing division. This fee is non-refundable once your process is submitted.
Continuing education courses vary in cost depending on the provider and format. Online courses typically range from $50 to $200 per course, while in-person seminars may cost more. If you need to complete multiple courses to meet the hour requirement, total education costs can range from $200 to $500 or more. The jurisprudence exam fee is separate and typically under $100.
Some dental hygiene professional organizations, such as the American Dental Hygienists' Association, offer continuing education at member rates that may be lower than public pricing. If you are a member, check whether your membership includes discounted course access.
Checking Your License Status and Inactive Date
Before you begin the reinstatement process, you need to know your exact inactive date and current license status. The New York Department of State maintains an online license lookup tool on its website. You can search by your name or license number to see whether your license is listed as inactive, expired, or surrendered, and the date the status changed.
If you cannot find your license in the online system, or if the status is unclear, contact the Division of Professional Licensing Services directly by phone or email. They can tell you the exact date your license became inactive and what reinstatement requirements explore. Having this information before you gather documents will save time and prevent you from completing unnecessary steps.
If your license was voluntarily surrendered rather than straightforward lapsed, reinstatement may have additional requirements. Some surrendered licenses can be reinstated; others cannot. The Department of State can clarify this when you call.
Timeline and What to Expect After Submission
The reinstatement timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and how long the Department of State takes to process your process. If you already have your continuing education certificates and do not need to take the jurisprudence exam, you can submit your process within one to two weeks. If you need to complete courses or take the exam, add four to twelve weeks depending on course availability and exam scheduling.
After you submit a complete process, the Department of State typically processes it within four to eight weeks. During this time, they verify your continuing education credits, check that your exam score meets the passing threshold if required, and confirm that all fees have been paid. You will receive written notice of approval or denial by mail and through your online account if you have one.
Once your reinstatement is approved, your license is restored to active status. You can then practice as a dental hygienist in New York. Your new license expiration date will be set based on the state's current renewal cycle, which is typically every two years from the date of reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to retake the national board exam to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require retaking the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam or the Northeast Regional Board Exam. You only need to show continuing education and, if your license has been inactive for more than five years, pass the New York jurisprudence exam. The national exams are required only for initial licensure.
What if I cannot find my continuing education certificates from years ago?
Contact the course providers or organizations where you took the courses. Most keep records and can issue replacement certificates or transcripts. If you cannot locate proof of courses you took, you may need to retake those hours to meet the requirement. The Department of State will not reinstate without documented proof of continuing education.
Can I practice while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot practice as a dental hygienist in New York while your license is inactive, even if your reinstatement process is pending. You must wait for written approval from the Department of State. Practicing on an inactive license is a violation of state law and can result in penalties.
How long does the jurisprudence exam take, and how often is it offered?
The exam typically takes one to two hours to complete. It is offered year-round at testing centers throughout New York, and you can usually schedule it within two to four weeks of registration. Check the Department of State website for current testing center locations and available dates.
What happens if I fail the jurisprudence exam?
You can retake the exam. There is an additional fee for each attempt. Most candidates who fail study the New York Dental Practice Act more thoroughly and pass on the second attempt. There is no limit on the number of retakes, but each one delays your reinstatement timeline.