What fee must be paid alongside the annual renewal fee for reinstatement after expiration?

The correct answer is a reinstatement fee. In Oklahoma, when a dental hygienist's license has expired, in addition to the annual renewal fee, a specific reinstatement fee must be paid in order to reactivate the expired license. This fee is imposed to account for the administrative costs associated with processing the reinstatement and is a standard practice in many licensing boards to ensure compliance and maintain professional standards.

The reinstatement fee serves as a necessary deterrent to ensure that dental hygienists remain current with their licenses and meet ongoing professional requirements, thereby protecting public health and safety. It is important to be aware of such fees as they can significantly impact a professional's ability to resume practice after an expiration period. The context of this requirement is grounded in the regulation of dental hygiene practices to uphold the integrity of the profession within the state.