Michigan Department of Community Health
Director's Office
DENTISTRY RULES - GENERAL RULES
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of community health by sections 16145(3) and 16601 of 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16145(3) and 333.16601 et seq. and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-1, 1996-2 and 2003-1, MCL 330.3101, 445.2001 and 445.2011)
PART 2. LICENSURE
R 338.11201 Licensure by examination to practice dentistry; graduates of schools in compliance with board standards.
Rule 1201. An applicant for dentist licensure by examination shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for dentist licensure by examination shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Graduate from a dental school that is in compliance with the standards in R 338.11301.
(b) Pass all parts of the national board examination that is conducted and scored by the joint commission on national dental examinations in order to qualify for the licensing examination provided in subdivision (c) of this rule. The requirement does not apply to applicants who have graduated before 1950.
(c) Pass a dental simulated clinical written examination that is conducted and scored by the northeast regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization, and 1 of the following:
(i) Pass all parts of a clinical examination that is conducted and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization, or pass all parts of a clinical examination that is conducted by a regional testing agency that is approved by the board.
(ii) Pass all parts of a clinical examination developed and scored by a state or other entity and that is substantially equivalent, as provided in R 338.11203(5), to the clinical examination of the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989; 1997
MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997; 2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11202 Licensure to practice dentistry; graduates of school not meeting board standards; requirements.
Rule 1202. An individual who graduated from a school of dentistry that does not comply with the standards provided in R 338.11301 may be licensed by the board if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(a) Complies with section 16174 of the act.
(b) Presents to the board a final, official transcript establishing graduation from a school in which he or she has obtained a dental degree. If the transcript is issued in a language other than English, an original, official translation shall also be submitted.
(c) Meets one of the following requirements:
(i) Successfully completes a minimum 2-year program in dentistry in a dental school that complies with the standards in R 338.11301 and that leads to the awarding of a doctor of dental surgery (dds) or doctor of dental medicine (dmd) degree. The completion of the program shall be confirmed by the dean of the school attended or official transcripts from the dental school.
(ii) Successfully completes a minimum 2-year master's degree or certificate program in a dental school that complies with the standards in R 338.11301 and that leads to the awarding of a degree or certificate from a dental specialty program that complies with the standards in R 338.11501 and R 338.11503(b) and (c).
(d) Passes all parts of the national board examination that is conducted and scored by the joint commission on national dental examinations.
(e) Passes the dental simulated clinical written examination and a clinical examination, as described in R 338.11201(c).
History: 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997;
2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11203 Dental examinations; required passing scores.
Rule 1203. (1) The board approves and adopts the examination developed and scored by the joint commission on national dental examinations. An applicant shall present evidence of passing each component of the examination with a converted score of not less than 75.
(2) The board approves and adopts the dental simulated clinical written examination developed and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization. An applicant shall present evidence of passing each component of the examination with a converted score of not less than 75.
(3) The board approves and adopts the clinical examination developed and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated. A passing score on the clinical examination shall be the score recommended by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or its successor organization. In no case shall the applicant present evidence of less than a converted score of 75 on each component of the examination.
(4) The board approves and adopts the clinical examinations of other regional testing agencies or state boards if the examinations are considered to be substantially equivalent to the clinical examination of the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated. A passing score on the clinical examination shall be the score recommended by the sponsoring organization. In no case shall the applicant present evidence of less than a converted score of 75 on each component of the examination.
(5) To determine substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (4) of this rule, the board shall consider factors such as the following:
(a) Subject areas included.
(b) Detail of material.
(c) Comprehensiveness.
(d) Length of an examination.
(e) Degree of difficulty.
(6) To demonstrate substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (4) of this rule, an applicant may be required to submit, or cause to be submitted, materials such as the following:
(a) A copy of the examination booklet or description of the examination content and examination scores issued by the testing agency.
(b) An affidavit from the appropriate state licensing agency that describes the examination and sets forth the legal standards which were in effect at the time of the examination.
(c) An affidavit from a state licensing board or examination agency that describes the examination.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997;
2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11205 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997.
R 338.11207 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997.
R 338.11211 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997.
R 338.11215 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; rescinded 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989.
R 338.11217 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; rescinded 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989.
R 338.11219 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; rescinded 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989.
R 338.11221 Licensure by examination to practice dental hygiene; requirements; graduates of schools in compliance with board standards.
Rule 1221. An applicant for dental hygienist licensure by examination shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for dental hygienist licensure by examination shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Graduate from a dental hygiene program in compliance with the standards in R 338.11303.
(b) Pass all parts of the dental hygiene national board examination that is conducted and scored by the joint commission on national dental examinations in order to qualify for the licensing examination provided for in subdivision (c) of this rule. The requirement does not apply to applicants who have graduated before 1962.
(c) Pass a dental hygiene simulated clinical written examination conducted and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization, and 1 of the following:
(i) Pass all parts of a clinical examination that is conducted and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization or pass all parts of a clinical examination that is conducted by a regional testing agency approved by the board.
(ii) Pass all parts of a clinical examination developed and scored by a state or other entity that is substantially equivalent to the clinical examination of the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997;
2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11222 Licensure to practice dental hygiene; graduates of schools not in compliance with board standards; requirements.
Rule 1222. An individual who graduated from a school of dental hygiene that is not in compliance with the standards provided in R 338.11303 may be licensed by the board if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(a) Complies with section 16174 of the act.
(b) Presents to the board a final, official transcript establishing graduation from a school in which he or she has obtained a dental hygiene degree.
(c) Successfully completes a program in a dental hygiene school that is in compliance with R 338.11303. The completion of the program shall be confirmed by the administrator of the school attended.
(d) Passes all parts of the dental hygiene national board examination that is conducted and scored by the joint commission on national dental examinations.
(e) Passes a dental hygiene simulated clinical written examination conducted and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization, and 1 of the following:
(i) Passes all parts of a clinical examination that is conducted and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated,or a successor organization or pass all parts of a clinical examination that is conducted by a regional testing agency approved by the board.
(ii) Passes all parts of a clinical examination developed and scored by a state or other entity that is substantially equivalent to the clinical examination of the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization.
History: 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997;
2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11223 Registered dental hygienist examinations; passing scores.
Rule 1223. (1) The board approves and adopts the dental hygiene examination developed and scored by the joint commission on national dental examinations. An applicant shall present evidence of passing each component of the examination with a converted score of not less than 75.
(2) The board approves and adopts the dental hygiene simulated clinical written examination developed and scored by the northeast regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or a successor organization. An applicant shall present evidence of passing each component of the examination with a converted score of not less than 75.
(3) The board approves and adopts the clinical examination developed and scored by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated. A passing score on the clinical examination shall be the score recommended by the north east regional board of dental examiners, incorporated, or its successor organization. In no case shall the applicant present evidence of less than a converted score of 75 on each component of the examination.
(4) The board approves and adopts the clinical examinations of other regional testing agencies or state boards, if they are considered to be substantially equivalent. A passing score on the clinical examination shall be the score recommended by the sponsoring organization. In no case shall the applicant present evidence of less than a converted score of 75 on each component of the examination.
(5) To determine substantial equivalency, as specified in subrule (4) of this rule, the board shall consider factors such as the following:
(a) Subject areas included.
(b) Detail of material.
(c) Comprehensiveness.
(d) Length of an examination.
(e) Degree of difficulty.
(6) To demonstrate substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (4) of this rule, an applicant may be required to submit, or cause to be submitted, materials such as the following:
(a) A copy of the examination booklet or description of the examination content and examination scores issued by the testing agency.
(b) An affidavit from the appropriate state licensing agency that describes the examination and sets forth the legal standards which were in effect at the time of the examination.
(c) An affidavit from a state licensing board or examination agency that describes the examination.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997;
2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11225 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997.
R 338.11227 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1997 MR 1, Eff. February 15, 1997.
R 338.11233 Registered dental hygienist; use of letters "R.D.H."; registered dental assistant; use of letters "R.D.A."
Rule 1233. (1) Pursuant to section 16264 of the act, the registered dental hygienist who has received a bona fide degree or certificate of dental hygiene from a duly recognized and accredited school of dental hygiene and who has completed all requirements for licensure may use the letters "R.D.H." after his or her name in connection with the practice of dental hygiene.
(2) Pursuant to section 16264 of the act, a registered dental assistant who has received a bona fide degree or certificate of dental assisting from a duly recognized and accredited school of dental assisting and who has completed all requirements for licensure may use the letters "R.D.A." after his or her name in connection with the practice of dental assisting.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984.
R 338.11235 Licensure to practice as a registered dental assistant; requirements.
Rule 1235. An individual applying for a license to practice as a registered dental assistant shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Comply with section 16174 of the act.
(b) Graduate or receive a certificate from a school which meets the standards set forth in R 338.11307.
(c) Pass the board comprehensive and clinical examination.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984.
R 338.11239 Registered dental assistant examination; content; time; place; passing score.
Rule 1239. (1) The board shall conduct a comprehensive and clinical examination for individuals seeking licensure as a registered dental assistant.
(2) Examination for licensure as a registered dental assistant shall be both comprehensive and clinical and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(a) Oral anatomy.
(b) Law and rules governing dental auxiliaries.
(c) Instrumentation and use of dental materials.
(d) Mouth mirror inspection.
(e) Rubber dam application.
(f) Application of anticariogenics.
(g) Placement and removal of temporary crowns and bands.
(h) Radiography.
(i) Periodontal dressings, application and removal.
(j) Removal of sutures.
(3) The examination shall be given at least once a year. The passing score for the examination shall be a converted score of 75 on each section.
(4) A candidate who fails to achieve a passing score on all parts within an 18-month period shall reapply to take the entire clinical and comprehensive examination.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989.
R 338.11241 Registered dental assisting licensure candidate who fails the clinical or comprehensive examination twice; requirements before re-examination.
Rule 1241. (1) Before being permitted to retake the clinical examination, a registered dental assisting licensure candidate who sustains 2 successive failures in the clinical examination shall be required to meet both of the following requirements subsequent to the last examination failed:
(a) The candidate shall present evidence of additional education consisting of a minimum of 20 hours of board-approved instruction, which shall be both didactic and clinical, in a school approved by the board.
(b) The course shall be satisfactorily completed as evidenced by certification by the dean or his or her appointee.
(2) Before being permitted to retake the comprehensive examination, a registered dental assisting licensure candidate who sustains 2 successive failures in the comprehensive section of the examination shall be required to meet both of the following requirements subsequent to the last examination failed:
(a) The candidate shall present evidence of additional education consisting of a minimum of 20 hours of board-approved instruction in a school approved by the board.
(b) The course shall be satisfactorily completed as evidenced by a certification by the dean or his or her appointee.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984.
R 338.11245 Registered dental assisting licensure candidate who fails the examination 3 times; requirements before re-examination.
Rule 1245. Before being permitted to retake the examination, a registered dental assisting licensure candidate who fails any part of the examination 3 times shall be required by the board to return to an accredited school for 1 academic semester or term. The course of the 1 academic semester or term shall be satisfactorily completed as evidenced by certification by the dean or his or her appointee.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984.
R 338.11247 Limited licenses; issuance; requirements.
Rule 1247. (1) The board may issue a limited license, under section 16182(2)(a) of the act, to an individual who is a graduate of a dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting program approved by the board and who is enrolled or involved in a postgraduate course of study.
(2) The board may issue a limited license, under section 16182(2)(b) of the act, to an individual who is a graduate dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant who is employed by a dental program or a dental auxiliary program as a faculty member, and who functions only in a nonclinical academic research setting or in an administrative setting.
(3) The board may issue a limited license, under section 16182(2)(c) of the act, to an individual who is a graduate dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant and who is employed by a dental program or a dental auxiliary program as a faculty member. A limited licensed dentist may perform dental procedures upon patients while employed as a faculty member by the dental or dental auxiliary program. A limited licensed dental hygienist or a limited licensed dental assistant may perform dental procedures upon patients while employed as a faculty member of a dental or dental auxiliary program, if such procedures are performed under the general supervision of a faculty member who is fully licensed as a dentist. An individual licensed under this subrule shall not do either of the following:
(a) Hold himself or herself out to the public as being engaged in the practice of dentistry other than as a faculty member.
(b) Provide dental services outside his or her employment as a faculty member.
(4) An individual applying for a limited license under section 16182(2) of the act shall meet both of the following requirements:
(a) Comply with section 16174 of the act.
(b) Submit proof of graduation from an approved school of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assisting or a certified copy of the diploma and transcript from an unapproved school of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assisting.
(c) Submit proof of appointment to a faculty position.
(5) Limited licenses shall be renewed annually at the discretion of the board.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; 2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11249 Rescinded.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984; rescinded 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989.
R 338.11253 Certification of renewal; display.
Rule 1253. A licensee shall display a currently renewed certificate of licensure in his or her principal place of practice. A licensee whose practice involves more than 1 office shall have his or her pocket card portion of the currently renewed certificate of licensure available for viewing upon request.
History: 1984 MR 7, Eff. July 19, 1984.
R 338.11255 Licensure by endorsement of dentist; requirements.
Rule 1255. (1) A dentist applying for licensure by endorsement shall be currently licensed in another state or territory of the United States and shall comply with section 16186 of the act and all of the following requirements:
(a) Have graduated from a school which meets the standards provided in R 338.11301 and submit original, official transcripts of professional education and documentation of graduation for board evaluation.
(b) Have passed all phases of the national board examination for dentists, in sequence. This requirement is waived for persons who graduated from an accredited school before 1950.
(c) Be endorsed, on a form supplied by the board, by the licensing agency of any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant holds a current license or ever held a license as a dentist.
(d) Show proof, on a form supplied by the board, of having no record of final or pending disciplinary action in any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
(e) Show proof of successful completion of 1 of the regional examinations as described in R 338.11203 (2), (3), and (4). This requirement is waived for individuals who were licensed initially in another state or territory of the United States before 2002 and who were not required to complete any regional examination as part of the initial licensing process as confirmed by the state or territory of the United States in which the initial license was awarded.
(2) The board may deny an application for licensure by endorsement upon finding the existence of a board action in any other state or territory of the United States for a violation related to applicable provisions of section 16221 of the act or upon determining that the applicant does not fulfill the requirements of section 16186 of the act.
History: 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989; 2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11259 Licensure by endorsement of dental hygienists; requirements.
Rule 1259. (1) A dental hygienist applying for licensure by endorsement shall be currently licensed in another state or territory of the United States and shall comply with section 16186 of the act and all of the following requirements:
(a) Have graduated from a school which meets the standards provided in R 338.11303 and submit original, official transcripts of professional education and documentation of graduation for board evaluation.
(b) Have passed all phases of the national board examination for dental hygienists. This requirement is waived for persons who graduated from an accredited school before 1962.
(c) Be endorsed, on a form supplied by the board, by the licensing agency of any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant holds a current license or ever held a dental hygienist license.
(d) Show proof, on a form supplied by the board, of having no record of final or pending disciplinary action in any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
(e) Show proof of successful completion of a substantially equivalent written and clinical examination under R 338.1223 (2), (3), and
(4). This requirement is waived for individuals who were licensed initially in another state or territory of the United States before 2002 and who were not required to complete any regional examination as part of the initial licensing process as confirmed by the state or territory of the United States in which the initial license was awarded.
(2) The board may deny an application for licensure by endorsement upon finding the existence of a board action in any other state or territory of the United States for a violation related to applicable provisions of section 16221 of the act or upon determining that the applicant does not fulfill the requirements of section 16186 of the act.
History: 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989; 2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11261 Licensure by endorsement of registered dental assistants; requirements.
Rule 1261. (1) A dental assistant applying for licensure by endorsement as a registered dental assistant shall be currently licensed or registered in another state or territory of the United States for performance of expanded functions as described in R 338.11405 and shall comply with section 16186 of the act and all of the following requirements:
(a) Have graduated from a school which meets the standards provided in R 338.11307 and submit original, official transcripts of professional education and documentation of graduation for board evaluation.
(b) Be endorsed, on a form supplied by the board, by the licensing agency of any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant holds a current license for performance of expanded functions.
(c) Show proof, on a form supplied by the board, of having no record of final or pending disciplinary action in any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant is or has been licensed.
(d) Show proof of successful completion of a substantially equivalent written and clinical examination under R 338.11239.
(2) To determine substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (1)(d) of this rule, the board will consider factors such as the following:
(a) Subject areas included.
(b) Detail of material.
(c) Comprehensiveness.
(d) Length of the examination.
(e) Degree of difficulty.
(3) To demonstrate substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (1)(d) of this rule, the applicant may be required to submit or cause to be submitted such materials as the following:
(a) A certified copy of the examination.
(b) An affidavit from the responsible official of the appropriate state agency describing the examination and setting forth the legal standards which were in effect at the time of the examination.
(c) An affidavit from the responsible official within a state society or another organization describing the examination.
(d) Other credible evidence.
(4) A dental assistant who does not fulfill the requirements of subrule (1) shall not be eligible for licensure by endorsement in this state and shall be required to comply with the provisions of R 338.11235.
(5) The board may deny an application for licensure by endorsement upon finding the existence of a board action in any other state or territory of the United States for a violation related to applicable provisions of section 16221 of the act or upon determining that the applicant does not fulfill the requirements of section 16186 of the act.
History: 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989; 2006 MR 11, Eff. June 9, 2006.
R 338.11267 Certification of a specialty by endorsement; requirements.
Rule 1267. (1) A dentist applying for certification of a specialty by endorsement shall hold a current Michigan dental license and shall comply with section 16186 of the act and all of the following requirements:
(a) Have graduated from a program in the specific specialty which meets the standards provided in R 338.11301 and submit original, official transcripts of professional education and documentation of graduation for board evaluation.
(b) Be endorsed, on a form supplied by the board, by the certifying agency of any state in which the applicant holds a current license or specialty certification.
(c) Show proof, on a form supplied by the board, of having no record of final or pending disciplinary action by any state in which the applicant is or has been licensed or certified.
(d) Show proof of meeting the requirements of R 338.11507 or R 338.11511 if a failing grade has been received on any state or regional examination within 5 years from date of application for endorsement.
(e) Show proof of successful completion of a substantially equivalent clinical and written examination in the applicant's specialty.
(2) To determine substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (l)(e) of this rule, the board will consider such factors as the following:
(a) Subject areas included.
(b) Detail of material.
(c) Comprehensiveness.
(d) Length of the examination.
(e) Degree of difficulty.
(3) To demonstrate substantial equivalency as specified in subrule (l)(e) of this rule, the applicant may be required to submit or cause to be submitted such materials as the following:
(a) A certified copy of the examination.
(b) An affidavit from the responsible official of the appropriate state agency describing the examination and setting forth the legal standards which were in effect at the time of the examination.
(c) An affidavit describing the examination from the responsible official within a state society or another organization with knowledge of the examination.
(d) Other credible evidence.
(4) A dentist who does not fulfill the requirements of subrule (1) of this rule or who has previously failed the Michigan specialty examination shall not be eligible for certification by endorsement in this state and shall be required to take the Michigan examination in the specific specialty as described in part 5 of these rules.
(5) The board may deny an application for certification by endorsement upon finding the existence of a board action in any other state for a violation related to applicable subdivisions of section 16221 of the act or upon determining that the applicant does not fulfill the requirements of section 16186 of the act.
History: 1989 MR 5, Eff. May 23, 1989.