What action may be taken if a registered dental hygienist fails to comply with continuing education mandates?

When a registered dental hygienist fails to comply with continuing education mandates, the implications often involve an assessment of penalties. This approach serves to uphold the standards of the profession and ensure that all practicing hygienists remain current in their knowledge and skills. Penalties can vary and may include fines, mandatory completion of additional education hours within a specified timeframe, or other regulatory actions deemed appropriate by the state dental board. This avenue allows for corrective measures without immediately resorting to more severe actions such as license cancellation.

The emphasis on penalties is rooted in the intent to maintain professional standards while also providing a potential path for the hygienist to rectify the non-compliance. In contrast, options like immediate license cancellation represent a more drastic measure that is typically reserved for more serious violations, while redoing education hours usually forms part of the penalties rather than a standalone solution. Issuing a warning letter may serve as an initial communication but does not adequately address the accountability necessary for ongoing compliance with continuing education mandates.