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 8:563, 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 provide dental hygiene services:
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.
Hosting a Charitable Event
Charitable health care providers are required by law to register annually with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). This applies to both in-state and out-of-state providers and sponsoring organizations. The registration form and other information can be found on the Department's Charitable Health Services Program page.
Once registered with DPH, charitable providers should report to the Board of Dentistry:
- The date, location, and host organization of the charitable event at least thirty days in advance.
- The names and license numbers of all participating dentists and dental hygienists no later than fifteen days post-event.
Charitable entities should also be familiar with the minimum standards for charitable dental practices provided for in 201 KAR 8:581.
Charitable dental practices in Kentucky are primarily regulated through the state's Board of Dentistry and Department for Public Health, which are separate but cooperative state agencies. For complete details, please see the following statutes, regulations and resources:
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.