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Summary of rule changes, pertaining to dental hygienists

Adopted by Dental Hygienists’ Comm/Board of Dental Health Care

1. Added definition of ADEX.
2. Added updated email addresses requirement as part of the licensee’s address on file.
3. Maximum number of self-study hours cannot exceed 50% of any stated requirement.
4. A licensee is eligible to receive hour-for-hour credit for BLS or CPR not to exceed 3 hours each triennial period.
5. Board approval for study clubs is valid for three years. Must reapply for approval before existing approval expires. Changes in officers and bylaws must be reported to the board.
6. CE course verification must include method of instruction: self-study or live/interactive.
7. Collaborative dental hygienists do not require a dentist’s diagnosis or prescription/order to administer therapeutic agents.
8. Bleaching restrictions removed for collaborative dental hygienists.
9. Standard Collaborative Practice Protocols language is updated. Procedures not included in the standard protocols can be included in the collaborative practice agreement, except for those procedures requiring a dentist’s diagnosis and verbal/written prescription.
10. Added an electronic processing fee for initial and license renewal, $10 per year; and a return payment fee is $35.
11. Initial licenses issued for less than one full year require 15 hours of continuing education for the first renewal.
12. A course in ethics or jurisprudence that includes topics related to the New Mexico dental health care act and board rules is required for license renewal.
13. Collaborative practitioners are required to take a course in pediatric and adult medical emergencies for initial licensure and for renewal.
14. Continuing education records must be maintained for 4 years.
15. For continuing education in local anesthesia:

General supervision is required when the instructor is certified in LA under general supervision and the course is provided in a CODA accredited hygiene school.

Indirect supervision is required outside a CODA approved school; when the instructor is not certified in LA under general supervision; and for the patient based clinical exams.

In most U.S. states, it’s boards where we’re outnumbered by dentists — the same profession that employs most of us — creating a conflict of interest that can restrict how and where we practice. ADHA's newest white paper makes the evidence-based case for self-regulation, explains why it matters, and offers a roadmap for the journey.

The ADHA has issued a statement opposing the Department of Education's exclusion of dental hygiene from its professional degree definition. This decision limits federal student loan access for master's programs, creating barriers during critical workforce shortages.

Read the full statement. ADHA will share details when the public comment period opens.

Looking for guidance in your dental hygiene career journey or ready to give back? Check out Mentor Match – ADHA's mentorship program sponsored by Heartland Dental. Connect with experienced hygienists or become the mentor you wish you had. Find your match today: https://www.adha.org/get-involved/mentor-match/

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