Dental therapist; requirements for licensure.

(1) An individual who is granted a license under this part as a dental therapist may engage in practice as a dental therapist to the extent permitted under this section and sections 16652 to 16658. (2) To qualify for licensure under this part as a dental therapist, an individual shall apply to the department on forms provided by the department, pay the application fee under section 16323, and demonstrate to the department that he or she meets all of the following: (a) Has graduated from a dental therapy education program that satisfies all of the following: (i) Meets the standards established under section 16148 for accreditation of a degree-granting program in dental therapy education at an approved postsecondary education institution. (ii) As determined by the department in consultation with the board, meets the accreditation standards for dental therapy education programs established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. (iii) Is accredited under section 16148. (iv) Meets any other requirements for dental therapy education programs adopted by the board. (b) Has passed a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the department that includes an examination of the applicant's knowledge of the laws of this state under this part and rules promulgated under this part. (c) Has completed 500 hours of clinical practice in this state or another state under the direct supervision of a dentist, or an individual authorized under the laws of another state to engage in the practice of dentistry, and in conformity with rules adopted by the board. As used in this subdivision, "direct supervision" means that the dentist or individual described in this subdivision complies with all of the following: (i) Designates a patient of record upon whom the procedures are to be performed and describes the procedures to be performed. (ii) Examines the patient before prescribing the procedures to be performed and upon completion of the procedures. (iii) Is physically present in the office at the time the procedures are being performed.