reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 316-A - Chiropractic › Section 316-A:26 - Proceedings of Chiropractic Review Committee.

316-A:26 Proceedings of Chiropractic Review Committee. –
All proceedings, records, findings and deliberations of chiropractic review committees duly established by the New Hampshire Chiropractic Association or the New Hampshire Straight Chiropractic Society are confidential and privileged and shall not be used or available for use or subject to process in any other proceeding. The manner in which the chiropractic review committee and each member thereof deliberates, decides or votes on any matter submitted to it is likewise confidential and privileged and shall not be the subject of inquiry in any other proceeding.
Source.
1988, 87:2, eff. April 18, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 316-A - Chiropractic › Section 316-A:27 - Privileged Communications.

316-A:27 Privileged Communications. –
The confidential relations and communications between any person licensed under provisions of this chapter and such licensed person's patient are placed on the same basis as those provided by law between attorney and client, and, except as otherwise provided by law, no such doctor of chiropractic shall be required to disclose such privileged communications. Confidential relations and communications between a patient and any person working under the supervision of a doctor of chiropractic that are customary and necessary for diagnosis and treatment are privileged to the same extent as though those relations or communications were with such supervising doctor of chiropractic. This section shall not apply to disciplinary hearings or actions conducted under RSA 316-A:22, relative to the board of chiropractic examiners, RSA 326-B, relative to the board of nursing, RSA 151-A:11, relative to the board of examiners of nursing home administrators, or any other statutorily created medical occupational licensing board conducting disciplinary proceedings. This section shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-54.
Source.
1992, 93:1. 1995, 132:11. 2005, 293:5, eff. July 1, 2005 at 12:01 a.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:1 - Purpose.

317-A:1 Purpose. –
For the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare, any person practicing or offering to practice dentistry in New Hampshire must submit evidence that such person is qualified to so practice and shall be licensed as provided in this chapter. No person shall practice or offer to practice dentistry in New Hampshire or use any title, sign, card, device or the abbreviation D.M.D. or D.D.S., or any other designation indicating that such person is practicing dentistry unless such person has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:1, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:2 - Board; Appointment; Term; Compensation.

317-A:2 Board;  Appointment;  Term;  Compensation. –
I. There shall be a board of dental examiners consisting of 9 members; including 6 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and one public member, each to be appointed by the governor, with the approval of the council, to a term of 5 years. One dentist member shall have a current permit to administer general anesthesia and deep sedation. No member of the board shall be appointed to more than 2 consecutive terms. Only board members provided for in this paragraph shall have the authority to vote in board determinations.
II. The public member of the board shall be a person who is not, and never was, a member of the dental profession or the spouse of any such person, and who does not have, and never has had, a material financial interest in either the provision of dental services or an activity directly related to dentistry, including the representation of the board or profession for a fee at any time during the 5 years preceding appointment.
III. [Repealed.]
IV. [Repealed.]
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1979, 456:1. 1981, 482:3. 1985, 416:3. 1989, 237:1. 2000, 5:2. 2010, 118:6, eff. July 1, 2010. 2015, 276:108, XII, eff. July 1, 2015. 2021, 197:43, I, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 215:1, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:2-a - Dental Hygienists Committee.

317-A:2-a Dental Hygienists Committee. –
I. (a) A dental hygienists committee is established, which shall consist of one dental hygienist member of the board, one dentist member of the board, and 3 additional dental hygienist members appointed by the governor and council.
(b) The dentist member of the committee shall have supervised and worked in collaboration with a dental hygienist for a period of at least 3 years immediately preceding appointment to the committee. The dentist member and dental hygienist board member shall be appointed to the committee annually by a majority vote of board members.
(c) The additional non-board dental hygienist members shall serve terms of 3 years, with initial terms staggered to provide for annual appointments. No member of the dental hygienists committee shall serve more than 2 consecutive full terms. The New Hampshire Dental Hygienists' Association, the New Hampshire Dental Society, and the dental hygiene education community shall each nominate one dental hygienist for appointment as additional members of the committee. Subsequent appointments shall be made from the same nominating authority as the committee member whose term expires.
(d) [Repealed.]
II. The committee shall develop and propose the administrative rules regarding the practice, education, examination, and licensure of dental hygienists, for the board's consideration pursuant to RSA 317-A:12. The committee shall have no independent regulatory or disciplinary authority.
III. The rules proposed by the committee may be accepted by the board for adoption under RSA 317-A:12 and RSA 541-A or the board may decline to accept the committee recommendations if the board finds that the proposed rules exceed the jurisdiction or expand the scope of the committee beyond the authority granted in paragraph II, create an undue financial impact on the board, or are not supported by the record.
IV. This section shall not be construed as affecting or changing the scope of practice of the profession of dental hygiene or authorizing the independent practice of dental hygiene.
Source.
2011, 172:1. 2012, 27:4, eff. July 1, 2012. 2018, 316:1, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2021, 197:43, II, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 212:11, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:2-b - Anesthesia and Sedation Committee.

317-A:2-b Anesthesia and Sedation Committee. –
I. (a) An anesthesia and sedation committee is established, which shall consist of one dentist member of the board, and 4 additional licensed anesthesia providers, permitted to administer anesthesia in a dental office appointed by the board.
(b) The committee shall elect a chair for a 3-year term. There shall be no term limits on committee membership.
II. The committee shall develop and propose the administrative rules regarding the practice, discipline, education, examination, and permitting of dentists and facilities authorized to administer anesthesia in a dental practice, for the board's consideration pursuant to RSA 317-A:12. The committee shall have no independent regulatory or disciplinary authority.
III. The rules proposed by the committee may be accepted by the board for adoption under RSA 317-A:12 and RSA 541-A or the board may decline to accept the committee recommendations if the board finds that the proposed rules exceed the jurisdiction or expand the scope of the committee beyond the authority granted in paragraph II; create an undue financial impact on dentists, the public, or the board; or are not supported by the record.
Source.
2023, 215:2, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:3 - Eligibility.

317-A:3 Eligibility. –
All members of the board shall be residents of this state for a period of at least 5 years prior to their appointment. The dental hygiene members shall have been engaged in the practice of dental hygiene in this state for a period of at least 5 years prior to appointment. There shall be no more than one member of the board who is also a full-time faculty member of a school of dentistry or school of dental hygiene.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1979, 456:2. 1989, 237:2. 1994, 240:1. 2000, 5:3, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:4 - Duties; Organization; Meetings; Records.

317-A:4 Duties;  Organization;  Meetings;  Records. –
I. The board of dental examiners will have the following powers and duties:
(a) To examine, register and license applicants whom it finds to be qualified as provided in this chapter to practice dentistry and dental hygiene. The public member of the board shall not examine applicants in the clinical practice of dentistry or the clinical practice of dental hygiene;
(b) The dental hygiene members shall not examine applicants for the clinical practice of dentistry;
(c) [Repealed.]
(d) [Repealed.]
(e) [Repealed.]
(f) [Repealed.]
(g) [Repealed.]
II. The board shall choose one of its members as its president and one of its members as vice-president. A majority of the members of the board who have been approved by the governor and council shall constitute a quorum. No board action shall be taken without an affirmative vote of the majority of board members present and eligible to participate in the matter in question. Board members shall not be eligible to participate in a vote when the board member has recused himself or herself from participation due to a conflict of interest. The board shall meet once a year and at such other times and places as it may deem proper. A true record of all their official acts shall be made and preserved by the office of professional licensure and certification in accordance with the retention policy established by the office. The records shall be public and shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times, except for records compiled in connection with disciplinary proceedings, which are subject to RSA 317-A:18.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1979, 456:3. 1981, 482:4-6. 1986, 219:23, 24. 1989, 237:3, 4. 2000, 5:4-6. 2003, 149:1, 2. 2006, 173:1. 2010, 139:1. 2014, 11:1, 2, eff. May 14, 2014. 2015, 56:2, I, eff. Aug. 1, 2015; 276:77, eff. July 1, 2015. 2021, 197:40, 43, III, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 212:12, I, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:5 - Repealed by 2021, 197:43, IV, eff. July 1, 2021.

317-A:5 Repealed by 2021, 197:43, IV, eff. July 1, 2021. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:7 - License Required.

317-A:7 License Required. –
No person shall begin the practice of dentistry, or dental hygiene, without first obtaining a license for such purpose from the board.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:7, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:7-a - License by Endorsement.

317-A:7-a License by Endorsement. –
Licensure by endorsement may be considered by the board for each applicant who holds a current, unrestricted license and registration certificate to practice dentistry or dental hygiene and who submits to the board the required credentials if, for the 3 years immediately preceding the application, the applicant:
I. Has practiced clinical dentistry or practiced clinical dental hygiene in one or more states; or
II. Has been in dental specialty training; or
III. Has been in active military service as a dentist; or
IV. Has been in any combination of these.
Source.
2003, 149:4. 2005, 42:1, eff. July 16, 2005.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:7-b - Telemedicine.

317-A:7-b Telemedicine. –
Persons licensed by the board shall be permitted to provide services through the use of telemedicine. "Telemedicine" means the use of audio, video, or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.
Source.
2020, 27:32, eff. July 21, 2020.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:8 - Applications.

317-A:8 Applications. –
I. Applications for licensure shall be made to the board in writing or online and shall be accompanied by a fee established in rules adopted under RSA 541-A by the board and by satisfactory proof that the applicant is a graduate of a school that is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The applicant shall be of good professional character and 18 years of age or older.
II. Any person applying for any license or privilege under this chapter, including any person seeking to convert from inactive to active status, shall provide the board with information relating to dental competence and professional conduct, to permit the board to make a fully informed decision that the applicant possesses sufficient competence and character to be issued a license under this chapter.
III. A temporary license may be issued, at the discretion of the board, to a person for research projects and programs of professional education having clinical dental components.
IV. A temporary license may be issued, at the discretion of the board, to dentists and dental hygienists for the provision of voluntary dental or dental hygiene services. To qualify for licensure under this paragraph, the applicant shall be an active, inactive, or former licensee in New Hampshire or in another state or Canadian province as determined by the board.
V. No application shall be granted unless the board finds that the applicant possesses the necessary educational, character, and other professional qualifications to practice dentistry or dental hygiene, and that no circumstances exist which would be grounds for disciplinary action against a licensed dentist or hygienist pursuant to RSA 317-A:17, II.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1973, 72:67. 1977, 563:22. 1979, 456:4. 1992, 2:1. 1996, 102:1. 1997, 204:1. 2000, 5:8. 2001, 178:1. 2005, 42:2, eff. July 16, 2005. 2015, 56:1, eff. Aug. 1, 2015. 2018, 316:2, 3, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:8-a - Criminal History Record Checks.

317-A:8-a Criminal History Record Checks. –
I. Every applicant for initial permanent licensure or reinstatement shall submit to the board of dental examiners a criminal history record information authorization form, as provided by the New Hampshire division of state police, which authorizes the release of his or her criminal history record information, if any, to the board.
II. The applicant shall submit with the release form a complete set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency or an authorized employee of the department of safety. In the event that the first set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, a second set of fingerprints shall be necessary in order to complete the criminal history records check. If, after 2 attempts, a set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, the board may, in lieu of the criminal history records check, accept police clearances from every city, town, or county where the person has lived during the past 5 years.
III. The board shall submit the criminal history records release form and fingerprint form to the division of state police which shall conduct a criminal history records check through its records and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon completion of the records check, the division of state police shall release copies of the criminal history records to the board.
IV. The board shall review the criminal record information prior to making a licensing decision and shall maintain the confidentiality of all criminal history records received pursuant to this section.
V. The applicant shall bear the cost of a criminal history record check.
Source.
2018, 316:4, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2019, 297:7, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:9 - Examinations.

317-A:9 Examinations. –
Applicants for a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene shall be examined by the board or have successfully passed a national or regional test accepted by the board. Examinations may be oral, clinical, written, or any combination at the discretion of the board and shall be of such character as to test the qualifications of the applicant to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. No license shall be granted to any applicant who shall not pass such examination.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:9, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:10 - Repealed by 2021, 197:43, V, eff. July 1, 2021.

317-A:10 Repealed by 2021, 197:43, V, eff. July 1, 2021. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:11 - Display of License.

317-A:11 Display of License. –
Any person issued a license under this chapter shall display the license at all times in a conspicuous place in the office where the licensee practices, and shall, whenever requested, exhibit such license to any of the members of said board or its authorized agent.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:10, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:12-a - Completion of Survey; Rulemaking.

317-A:12-a Completion of Survey;  Rulemaking. –
The board shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, requiring, as part of the license renewal process, completion by licensees of a survey or opt-out form provided by the office of rural health, department of health and human services, for the purpose of collecting data regarding the New Hampshire primary care workforce, pursuant to the commission established in RSA 126-T. Any rules adopted under this section shall provide the licensee with written notice of his or her opportunity to opt-out from participation in the survey.
Source.
2017, 131:3, eff. June 16, 2017. 2019, 254:5, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:13 - License Renewal.

317-A:13 License Renewal. –
I. (a) By February 15 in each even-numbered year, the board shall mail or email to each person licensed to practice dentistry a notice that license renewal is coming due.
(b) By February 15 in each odd-numbered year, the board shall mail or email to each person licensed to practice dental hygiene a notice that license renewal is coming due.
(c) A failure of the licensee to receive the license renewal form shall not relieve the licensee of the obligation to comply with this section and the rules of the board.
II. Except as provided in RSA 317-A:16, before April 1 in the year of renewal under paragraph I a person licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state shall register with the board, apply for license renewal, and pay the fee established in rules adopted by the board. The timelines of submission of renewal applications shall be evidenced by date stamp made at the time of receipt at the board's office if hand delivered, or by postmark if mailed.
III. All persons licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state shall notify the board in writing within 30 days of any change of business or residential address which may occur during the period between biennial registrations. Failure to do so may result in the board issuing a non-disciplinary letter of concern to the licensee.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1977, 563:23. 1979, 434:26; 456:5. 1981, 482:8. 1983, 346:1. 2000, 5:14; 73:1. 2007, 49:1. 2012, 27:1, eff. July 1, 2012. 2018, 316:6, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:14 - Repealed by 2000, 5:29, I, eff. July 1, 2000.

317-A:14 Repealed by 2000, 5:29, I, eff. July 1, 2000. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:15 - Failure to Register; Penalties.

317-A:15 Failure to Register;  Penalties. –
Any person licensed by the board under this chapter who fails, neglects, or refuses to register pursuant to RSA 317-A:13 shall be assessed a late biennial registration fee as determined in rules adopted by the board, provided the licensee submits a completed renewal application between April 1 and April 30 of the renewal year. The payment of the fee may be waived by the board if the board determines that good cause has been shown for the failure to register. Licenses shall lapse when complete renewal applications have not been received by the board by April 30 of the renewal year. Holders of lapsed active licenses are not authorized to practice until they receive written notification from the board that their licenses have been reinstated.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1979, 456:6. 1983, 346:2. 1992, 2:3. 1994, 289:1. 2000, 5:15. 2001, 178:2. 2007, 49:2. 2010, 139:7, eff. Aug. 13, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:15-a - Reinstatement of Lapsed Licenses.

317-A:15-a Reinstatement of Lapsed Licenses. –
The board shall reinstate a license which has lapsed as a result of failure of the applicant to qualify for renewal or to submit a completed renewal application on time if the applicant:
I. Meets eligibility requirements for renewal.
II. Meets the reinstatement requirements established by the board in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
III. Pays the registration fee, late fee, and reinstatement fee.
Source.
2007, 49:3, eff. July 1, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:16 - Inactive List.

317-A:16 Inactive List. –
A dentist or dental hygienist licensed under this chapter who does not actively engage in such practice in New Hampshire within 2 years of his or her previous biennial registration shall have the licensee's name transferred to an inactive list and shall be required to register biennially and pay the inactive registration fee as long as the licensee remains inactive. Any dentist or dental hygienist holding an inactive license shall be restored to active status by the board upon the filing of a written request with the board and the furnishing of evidence of continuing professional character and continuing education and upon payment of the full registration fee established in rules adopted by the board. A licensee on inactive status who has been practicing in another state shall provide a letter of good standing from that state. A person's right to maintain a license with active status shall not be affected by any absence from active practice in New Hampshire while serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1979, 456:7. 1994, 289:2. 2000, 5:16. 2007, 49:4, eff. July 1, 2007. 2018, 316:7, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:17-a - Immunity From Civil Action.

317-A:17-a Immunity From Civil Action. –
No civil action shall be maintained against the board or any member thereof or its agents or employees. No civil action shall be maintained against any organization or its members or against any other person for or by reasons of any good faith statement, report, communication, or testimony to the board or determination by the board in relation to proceedings under this chapter.
Source.
1992, 2:5, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:18 - Repealed by 2023, 212:12, IV, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

317-A:18 Repealed by 2023, 212:12, IV, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:18-a - Repealed by 2023, 212:12, V, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

317-A:18-a Repealed by 2023, 212:12, V, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:18-b - Repealed by 2023, 212:12, VI, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

317-A:18-b Repealed by 2023, 212:12, VI, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:19 - Repealed by 2000, 5:29, I, eff. July 1, 2000.

317-A:19 Repealed by 2000, 5:29, I, eff. July 1, 2000. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:20-a - Dentist Report of Adverse Events; Corrective Action Plan.

317-A:20-a Dentist Report of Adverse Events;  Corrective Action Plan. –
I. Any dentist licensed pursuant to this chapter shall report to the board the occurrence of any adverse health care events resulting in death, brain damage, or hospitalization, occurring in the dentist's office or facility while utilizing general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation, as soon as is reasonably and practically possible, but no later than 15 working days after discovery of the event. The report shall be filed in a format specified by the board and shall identify the office or facility but shall not include any identifying information for any of the dental professionals, facility employees, or patients involved. The board may consult with experts and organizations familiar with patient safety when developing the format for reporting and in further defining events in order to be consistent with industry standards.
II. After receiving a report of an adverse health care event, the board shall conduct a root cause analysis of the event. Following the analysis, the dentist's office or facility shall implement a corrective action plan to implement the findings of the analysis or report to the board any reasons for not taking corrective action. If the root cause analysis and the implementation of a corrective action plan are complete at the time an event must be reported, the findings of the analysis and the corrective action plan shall be included in the report of the event. The findings of the root cause analysis and a copy of the corrective action plan shall otherwise be filed with the board within 60 days of the event. All proceedings related to the root cause analysis and implementation of a corrective action plan shall be considered privileged and not subject to discovery or subpoena.
III. All information and data made available to the board and its designees under this section shall be confidential and shall be exempt from public access under RSA 91-A.
IV. The board shall adopt rules for reporting of adverse events, analysis of root causes, and implementation of corrective action plans required to facilitate the enforcement of this section.
Source.
2018, 188:4, eff. Aug. 7, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21 - Licensure.

317-A:21 Licensure. –
I. For the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare, any person providing dental hygiene services in New Hampshire shall submit evidence that such person is qualified to provide those services and shall be licensed as provided in this chapter. No person shall provide dental hygiene services in New Hampshire or use any sign, card, device or the abbreviation R.D.H. or any other designation indicating such person is providing dental hygiene services, unless such person has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter.
II. Applications for licensure as a dental hygienist shall be made to the board in writing and shall be accompanied by a fee established by the office of professional licensure and certification and by satisfactory proof that the applicant is a graduate of a school of dentistry or a school of dental hygiene with a minimum of a 2-year program in an institution of higher education, the program of which is accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1977, 563:24. 1979, 434:26; 456:10. 1992, 2:9. 1994, 240:2. 1997, 204:8. 2000, 5:23, eff. July 1, 2000. 2018, 316:12, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2021, 197:42, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-a - Examinations.

317-A:21-a Examinations. –
Except as otherwise provided, applicants shall be examined by the board. The examinations may be oral, clinical, written or a combination, at the discretion of the board, and shall be of such character as to test the qualifications of the applicant to be licensed in dental hygiene. No license shall be granted to any applicant who shall not pass such examination satisfactorily. The board shall have the authority to grant a license in dental hygiene to applicants who have successfully passed the requirements of any national or regional testing agency acceptable to the board.
Source.
1994, 240:3, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-b - Display of License.

317-A:21-b Display of License. –
Licensees who provide dental hygiene services in this state shall cause their licenses to be at all times displayed in a conspicuous place in the setting wherein they shall treat patients, and shall whenever requested, exhibit such license to any of the members of the board or its authorized agent.
Source.
1994, 240:3, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-c - Practice of Dental Hygiene.

317-A:21-c Practice of Dental Hygiene. –
I. A person shall be regarded as practicing dental hygiene within the meaning of this chapter, who performs any of the actions listed in RSA 317-A:21-c, II, or who uses the title "registered dental hygienist", the abbreviation "R.D.H.", or any other words or symbols that indicate that the person is a licensed dental hygienist.
II. Dental hygiene services shall include:
(a) The assessment of medical and dental histories, including preliminary inspection of the oral cavity, surrounding structures, and periodontal charting.
(b) The assessment of the patient to collect and evaluate complete data to identify dental hygiene care needs.
(c) The performance of the complete prophylaxis including the removal of calciferous deposits, excess cements, excess bond materials from orthodontic appliances, accretions, and stains from the supragingival and subgingival surfaces of the teeth by scaling, root planning, and polishing.
(d) The performance of procedures requiring additional education and any other procedures authorized by the board through rules adopted under RSA 541-A.
(e) The administration of local anesthesia.
(f) The administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen minimal sedation (anxiolysis); provided the dental hygienist is qualified by the board after training and after passing an examination approved by the board.
(g) The administration, prescription and dispensing of a fluoride supplement, topically applied fluoride and chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse.
III. Dental hygiene services shall be provided under the supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with rules adopted by the board.
IV. The practice of dental hygiene conducted under the authority of a health care charitable trust as provided in RSA 317-A:20, III(c) shall be performed by dentists or by dental hygienists licensed by the board and who practice under the supervision of a dentist licensed by the board. The health care charitable trust shall notify the board in writing of the name and location of the dental clinic and the name of the supervising dentist, and shall notify the board within 10 days of any change of the supervising dentist.
Source.
1994, 240:3. 1997, 204:9. 2002, 91:1. 2004, 163:2. 2006, 238:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2018, 316:13, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-d - Practice Limitations.

317-A:21-d Practice Limitations. –
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit the independent practice of dental hygienists.
Source.
1994, 240:3, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-e - Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist.

317-A:21-e Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist. –
I. A dental hygienist licensed under this chapter may obtain a certification to practice as a certified public health dental hygienist by submitting an application to the board in writing and completing additional educational and training requirements as required by the board. A certified public health dental hygienist practicing under this section may:
(a) Collect and assess medical and dental histories, including preliminary inspection of the oral cavity and surrounding structures, and periodontal probing and charting.
(b) Instruct in oral hygiene techniques.
(c) Prepare a treatment plan within the public health dental hygienist scope of practice.
(d) Perform complete oral prophylaxis as appropriate, including the removal of calciferous deposits and the removal of subgingival accretions and stains by scaling and root planing.
(e) Perform professional application of topical fluoride, including fluoride varnish.
(f) Place sealants, if qualified and when authorized by a dentist with an active license, provided that:
(1) Written informed consent shall be obtained from the patient's legal guardian; and
(2) The supervising dentist and the public health dental hygienist shall be responsible for the sealants being indicated and correctly placed.
(g) Place temporary restorations without excavation.
(h) Perform radiographic imaging limited to bite wings, and occlusal and periapical radiography, as needed.
(i) Provide nutritional counseling for the control of dental disease.
(j) Provide referrals.
(k) Perform any procedure that is within the scope of practice that has been authorized under public health supervision.
II. A certified public health dental hygienist, acting under the public health supervision of an actively licensed dentist, may practice in a school, hospital, or other institution, or for a homebound person without the dentist having to be present, provided the dentist has reviewed the records once in a 12-month period.
III. The dental hygienists committee established under RSA 317-A:2-a shall develop and propose to the board for its review and approval all application and certification requirements, education programs, and other regulations and requirements relating to certified public health dental hygienists.
IV. Public health dental hygienist certification under this section shall not preclude non-certified dental hygienists from practicing under public health supervision as allowed under the rules of the board of dental examiners.
Source.
2012, 183:1, eff. June 11, 2012.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-f - Repealed by 2014, 313:2, eff. Nov. 15, 2015.

317-A:21-f Repealed by 2014, 313:2, eff. Nov. 15, 2015. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:21-g - Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary.

317-A:21-g Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary. –
I. A dental hygienist licensed under this chapter or a dental assistant may obtain a permit from the board to practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary by submitting an application to the board in writing and completing additional educational and training requirements as required in rules adopted by the board.
II. An expanded function dental auxiliary shall work under the supervision of an actively licensed dentist.
III. The board shall adopt rules under RSA 317-A:12, XII-d regarding application and permit requirements, educational requirements, level of supervision requirements, and scope of practice requirements relating to expanded function dental auxiliaries.
Source.
2018, 316:14, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:22 - Repealed by 1981, 482:13, eff. July 1, 1981.

317-A:22 Repealed by 1981, 482:13, eff. July 1, 1981. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:23 - Non-Practice.

317-A:23 Non-Practice. –
I. None of the following procedures may be assigned to a dental hygienist or assistant or to any other person not licensed to practice dentistry:
(a) Diagnosis, treatment planning and prescriptions (including prescriptions for drugs and medicaments or authorization for restorative, prosthodontic, or orthodontic appliances).
(b) Surgical procedures on hard or soft tissues within the oral cavity; or any other inter-oral procedure that contributes to, or results in, an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy.
II. Under the public health supervision of an actively licensed dentist and in accordance with a written practice agreement, a certified public health dental hygienist may provide services pursuant to RSA 317-A:21-e, I for which certified public health dental hygienists have been trained and which have been authorized by a supervising dentist in writing. Services may be provided to an individual patient without the patient first seeing a dentist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning if the supervising dentist has provided written general authorization and standing protocols for the certified public health dental hygienist.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2012, 183:6, eff. June 11, 2012.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:24 - Applicants From Other States.

317-A:24 Applicants From Other States. –
The board may license any applicant for a dental or dental hygienist license who is so licensed in any other state, provided the other state's licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to or higher than those of this state.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1981, 482:10, eff. July 1, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:25 - Certificate of Good Standing.

317-A:25 Certificate of Good Standing. –
Any one who is licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state, and of good professional character, and known to the dental board as such, who desires to change residence to another state, territory or country, shall, upon application to the dental board, receive a special certificate over the signature of the president and vice-president of the board, which shall attest such facts, and give the date upon which such person was licensed.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1981, 482:11. 1994, 240:4. 2000, 5:24. 2003, 149:9, July 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:26 - Repealed by 2000, 5:29, I, eff. July 1, 2000.

317-A:26 Repealed by 2000, 5:29, I, eff. July 1, 2000. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:27 - Display of Names.

317-A:27 Display of Names. –
Any individual engaged in the practice of dentistry shall display at the entrance of his or her place of business the name of the individual practicing dentistry at that place of business.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:25, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:27-a - Dental Records.

317-A:27-a Dental Records. –
Dentists and dental hygienists shall make a record of all examinations and treatments performed or recommended. The record shall be in such a manner and in sufficient detail that it may be used for identification purposes. A dentist shall maintain patients' paper or electronic, and radiographic records, for at least 7 years from the time the dentist or dental hygienist last treated the patient. In the case of a minor patient, a dentist shall maintain a patient's paper or electronic, and radiographic dental records for at least 7 years past the age of majority.
Source.
1983, 73:1. 1994, 240:5. 2000, 5:25. 2006, 238:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2018, 316:15, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:28 - Unlicensed Persons Prohibited.

317-A:28 Unlicensed Persons Prohibited. –
Dentists acting as a manager, proprietor, partnership, association, or corporation owning, managing, or controlling any place where dental work is done, provided, or contracted for shall employ, keep, or retain only licensed dentists to practice dentistry and licensed dental hygienists to practice dental hygiene.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1997, 204:10. 2010, 139:6, eff. Aug. 13, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:29 - List of Dentists and Dental Hygienists.

317-A:29 List of Dentists and Dental Hygienists. –
Any manager, proprietor, partnership, association, or corporation specified in RSA 317-A:28 shall, within 10 days after demand made by the vice-president of the board by registered mail, furnish to the vice-president the names and addresses of all persons practicing dentistry or dental hygiene in their or its place of business or under their or its control, together with a sworn statement showing by what license or authority said persons are practicing.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1997, 204:11. 2003, 149:10, July 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:30 - Death of Licensee.

317-A:30 Death of Licensee. –
No person not a registered dentist shall, directly or indirectly, practice dentistry in this state, except as is provided in this chapter; but the spouse, executor, or administrator of a registered dentist who has died, or the spouse of one who is incapacitated, may continue such business under a registered dentist.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1994, 289:4, eff. Aug. 5, 1994.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:31 - Advertising; Specialists.

317-A:31 Advertising;  Specialists. –
All advertisements of dental services shall contain the name of the dentist whose services are being advertised and shall state whether each dentist is a general dentist or, if qualified, a specialist in the named area or specialization. This shall include dental practices operating under a trade name. The dentist's name and designation as a general dentist or specialist shall be stated prominently in the advertisement.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:26, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:32 - False Papers.

317-A:32 False Papers. –
Any person filing or attempting to file as his or her own the diploma or license of another, or a forged affidavit of identification or qualification, shall be deemed guilty of forgery.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2000, 5:27, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:33 - Penalty.

317-A:33 Penalty. –
Except as otherwise provided, any person who shall practice or attempt to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state without a license or who violates any of the provisions of RSA 317-A shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person or guilty of a felony if any other person.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1973, 528:201. 1994, 240:6. 2000, 5:28, eff. July 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:34 - Injunction.

317-A:34 Injunction. –
The board may petition the superior court for an injunction to restrain the practice of dentistry, as defined in RSA 317-A:20, by any person other than a licensed dentist or such other persons as are specifically excepted from the operation of RSA 317-A:20. In such proceedings, the board may be represented by the attorney general or its own counsel, and such petition may be filed in the superior court for the county in which the defendant named therein resides, or, if such defendant is a nonresident, then in the superior court for any county in which the named defendant does business. The petition for such injunction or the issuance thereof shall be in addition to, and shall not relieve any such person from, criminal prosecution. In connection with any such petition for an injunction, it shall not be necessary to prove that an adequate remedy at law does not exist.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 1979, 456:12, eff. Aug. 24, 1979.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:35 - Disposal of Fines.

317-A:35 Disposal of Fines. –
All fines imposed and collected under this chapter shall be paid by the court or justice to the office of professional licensure and certification.
Source.
1971, 364:1. 2003, 149:11. 2014, 11:4, eff. May 14, 2014. 2015, 276:80, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:36 - Repealed by 2015, 56:2, II, eff. Aug. 1, 2015.

317-A:36 Repealed by 2015, 56:2, II, eff. Aug. 1, 2015. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXX - Occupations and Professions › Chapter 317-A - Dentists and Dentistry › Section 317-A:37 - Proceedings of Dental Peer Review Committee.

317-A:37 Proceedings of Dental Peer Review Committee. –
All proceedings, records, findings, and deliberations of any dental peer review committee of a duly established state dental society or component dental society are confidential and privileged and shall not be used or available for use or subject to process in any other proceeding. The manner in which a dental peer review committee and each member thereof deliberates, decides, or votes on any matter submitted to it is likewise confidential and privileged and shall not be the subject of inquiry in any other proceeding. Nothing in this statute shall prevent a dental peer review committee from referring complaints to the New Hampshire board of dental examiners and providing the board with the name and contact information of the complainant.
Source.
1976, 17:1. 1983, 346:4. 2007, 49:5, eff. July 1, 2007.