Dental Hygiene Charitable Limited License
Dental hygienists who hold an active license to practice in another U.S. state or territory who wish to provide charitable medical services to indigent populations in Kentucky may do so without applying for a full dental hygiene license. Instead, pursuant to KRS 313.254 and 201 KAR 8:562, only a limited license is required in such situations. The process to obtain a charitable limited license is faster and easier than for a standard license, however, it comes with greater restrictions. Charitable limited license holders in Kentucky may only provides services:
- Without expectation of compensation or reimbursement from any patient, government agency, or insurer.
- In conjunction with a registered charitable event sponsored by a charitable organization as provided for KRS 216.941.
- That meet the standards for charitable dental practices required by 201 KAR 8:581.
- That can be completed within the duration of the charitable event.
- For a maximum of ten days per charitable event.
Dental hygiene charitable limited licenses expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year, after which time hygienists must reapply to continue practicing in a charitable capacity. To apply for a charitable limited license, please submit the following application at least thirty days in advance of the charitable event.
Charitable dental practices are primarily regulated through the Kentucky Board of Dentistry and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. For complete details, please see the following statutes and regulations:
- KRS 216.941, License or certificate requirements for the voluntary provision of health care
- KRS 313.254, Temporary license for dentist or dental hygienist to provide medical care to indigent population
- 201 KAR 8:562, Section 4, Requirements for charitable limited licensure
- 201 KAR 8:581, Charity dental practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an application fee for charitable licenses?
A: Yes. There is a $25 fee to apply for a dental hygiene charitable limited license.
Q: How often can I volunteer with a charitable license?
A: Charitable licensees can practice for a maximum of ten days during each registered charitable event. However, there is no limit to the number of events in which licensees may participate.
Q: How long are charitable licenses good for?
A: Dental hygiene charitable limited licenses, like all hygiene licenses issued by the Board, expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year regardless of when the license was originally issued. After such time, practitioners must reapply for a new charitable license before they can volunteer at the next event.
Q: Should I renew my charitable license?
A: Charitable licenses are intended to be used on a temporary basis by out-of-state practitioners who wish to volunteer at a charitable oral health event Kentucky. As such, dental hygiene charitable limited license holders are not required or expected to renew their license before they expire at the end of every even-numbered year. They will, however, need to reapply for a license when and if they choose to volunteer again after the original expiration date.