1. (a) An eligible dental hygienist may, except as provided in subsection (e) below, return to the practice of dental hygiene without the requirement of a clinical examination, upon submitting an application on a form provided by the board and providing proof of having successfully completed a refresher course approved by the board.

2. (b) For purposes of this regulation, an eligible dental hygienist shall be an individual who meets the following requirements:

   1. (1) Was previously licensed to practice dental hygiene;
   2. (2) has not been disciplined by the licensing board in any state in which the individual has been licensed to practice dental hygiene;
   3. (3) has practiced dental hygiene; and
   4. (4) meets the other requirements for licensure set forth in K.S.A. 65-1455, and amendments thereto.

3. (c) For a refresher course to be approved by the board, it shall meet the following minimum criteria:

   1. (1) Be taught at a dental hygiene school approved by the board;
   2. (2) consist of a minimum of 48 clock hours, including a minimum of 32 clock hours of clinical instruction;

   3. (3) include didactic coursework, which may be presented in a classroom or independent study setting, or both, and clinical coursework covering the following:

      1. (i) Infection control and sterilization;
      2. (ii) patient assessment, including the taking of health histories, an oral inspection and evaluation, and charting;
      3. (iii) radiographic techniques;
      4. (iv) instrumentation techniques, including periodontal procedures and instrument sharpening;
      5. (v) current techniques in the polishing of teeth and the application of fluoride;
      6. (vi) patient education;
      7. (vii) emergency situations; and
      8. (viii) the current Kansas dental laws; and
   4. (4) include final written and clinical evaluations that require a minimum passing score of 75 percent.
4. (d) As a further condition of returning to the practice of dental hygiene, the dental hygienist may be required to appear before the board.
5. (e) A formerly retired or disabled dental hygienist who is returning to the practice of dental hygiene, without the requirement of a clinical examination, may not administer local anesthesia or nitrous oxide until having completed courses of instruction in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide approved by the board.

(Authorized by K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 65-1431, as amended by L. 2000, ch. 169, sec. 7 and K.S.A. 74-1406, as amended by L. 2000, ch. 169, sec. 18; implementing K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 65-1431, as amended by L. 2000, ch. 169, sec. 7; effective Sept. 1, 2000.)