The State Board of Dental Examiners, pursuant to Article 4550b, V.T.C.S., has established a staggered license registration system comprised of initial dental hygiene license registration periods followed by annual registrations (i.e., renewals).

1. (1) The initial dental hygiene license registration periods will range from 6 months to 17 months. Each dental hygienist for whom an initial dental hygiene license registration is issued will be assigned a computer generated check digit. The length of the initial license registration period will be determined on the basis of the assigned check digit as follows:

   1. (A) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 1 will be registered for 6 months;
   2. (B) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 2 will be registered for 7 months;
   3. (C) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 3 will be registered for 8 months;
   4. (D) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 4 will be registered for 9 months;
   5. (E) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 5 will be registered for 11 months;
   6. (F) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 6 will be registered for 12 months;
   7. (G) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 7 will be registered for 13 months;
   8. (H) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 8 will be registered for 14 months;
   9. (I) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 9 will be registered for 15 months; and
   10. (J) a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 10 will be registered for 17 months.

2. (2) For individuals who qualify for dental hygiene licensure by examination, the initial dental hygiene license registration fees will be as follows:

   1. (A) an annual license registration fee of $41 prorated according to the number of months in the initial registration period; and
   2. (B) $2.00 for peer assistance.

3. (3) For individuals who qualify for dental hygiene licensure by credentials, the initial dental hygiene license registration fees will be as follows:

   1. (A) an annual license registration fee of $41 prorated according to the number of months in the initial registration period; and
   2. (B) $2.00 for peer assistance.

4. (4) Subsequent to the initial registration period, a licensee's annual registration (renewal) will occur on the first day of the month that follows the last month of his/her initial dental hygiene license registration period. Pursuant to §102.1(b) of this title (relating to Fee Schedule) the licensee will pay the following fee for each annual registration (i.e., renewal):

   1. (A) a license registration fee of $41; and
   2. (B) $2.00 for peer assistance.
5. (5) Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of the initial dental hygiene license registration period, a license renewal notice will be mailed to all dental hygiene licensees who have that expiration date.
6. (6) A license registration expired for more than one year may not be renewed.

Source Note:The provisions of this §103.4 adopted to be effective April 19, 1998, 23 TexReg 3830.