Sec. 10.44.10.02. Renewal of Licenses

A. Before a general license to practice dentistry expires, the licensee may renew it for an additional term, if the licensee:

(1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;

(2) Pays the renewal fee specified in COMAR 10.44.20;

(3) Submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides; and

(4) Has fulfilled the continuing education requirements of the Board.

B. Before a teacher's license to practice dentistry expires, the licensee may renew it for an additional term, if the licensee:

(1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;

(2) Pays the renewal fee specified in COMAR 10.44.20; and

(3) Submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides.

C. Before a general license to practice dental hygiene or a teacher's license to practice dental hygiene expires, the licensee may renew it for an additional term, if the licensee:

(1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;

(2) Pays the renewal fee specified in COMAR 10.44.20;

(3) Submits to the Board a renewal application on the form the Board provides; and

(4) Has fulfilled the continuing education requirements of the Board.

D. A limited license to practice dentistry is not renewable.

E. Following the expiration date of a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in the State, the licensee may renew the license within 30 days of its expiration if the licensee:

(1) Is otherwise entitled to be licensed;

(2) Submits to the Board a completed renewal application on the form provided by the Board; and

(3) Pays to the Board the renewal fee and the late renewal fee as specified in COMAR 10.44.20.

F. Dental License.

(1) A licensee who has failed to renew a license to practice dentistry in this State by July 31 of the year in which the license is due for renewal is prohibited from practicing dentistry in this State after the expiration date of the license.

(2) The Board shall reinstate the license if the licensee:

(a) Is otherwise entitled to be licensed;

(b) Meets the requirements for renewal and reinstatement of a license as provided in this chapter;

(c) Submits to the Board a completed renewal application on the form provided by the Board; and

(d) Pays to the Board the reinstatement fee as specified in COMAR 10.44.20.

(3) If the Board determines that a dentist has practiced dentistry in this State after the license has expired, the Board may order the dentist to immediately cease and desist the practice of dentistry in this State until the dentist's license has been reinstated by the Board.

(4) The Board may take action against a dentist for unprofessional conduct if it determines that the dentist has practiced dentistry in this State after the dentist's license has expired. The Board may:

(a) Impose an administrative penalty through a nonpublic consent agreement which the dentist agrees to make an anonymous donation of $400 to a charitable institution and to perform 40 hours of Board-approved pro bono dental services;

(b) Provide the dentist with a settlement conference; or

(c) Charge the dentist with unprofessional conduct as provided in Health Occupations Article, §4-315(a)(16), Annotated Code of Maryland, for practicing dentistry without a license.

G. Dental Hygienist License.

(1) A licensee who has failed to renew a license to practice dental hygiene in this State by July 31 of the year in which the license is due for renewal is prohibited from practicing dental hygiene in this State after the expiration date of the license.

(2) The Board shall reinstate the license if the licensee:

(a) Is otherwise entitled to be licensed;

(b) Meets the requirements for renewal and reinstatement of a license as provided in this chapter;

(c) Submits to the Board a completed renewal application on the form provided by the Board; and

(d) Pays to the Board the reinstatement fee as specified in COMAR 10.44.20.

(3) If the Board determines that a dental hygienist has practiced dental hygiene in this State after the license has expired, the Board may order the dental hygienist to immediately cease and desist the practice of dental hygiene in this State until the dental hygienist's license has been reinstated by the Board.

(4) The Board may take action against a dental hygienist for unprofessional conduct if it determines that the dental hygienist has practiced dental hygiene in this State after the dental hygienist's license has expired. The Board may:

(a) Impose an administrative penalty through a nonpublic consent agreement which the dental hygienist agrees to make an anonymous donation of $200 to a charitable institution and to perform 20 hours of Board-approved pro bono dental services;

(b) Provide the dental hygienist with a settlement conference; or

(c) Charge the dental hygienist with unprofessional conduct as provided in Health Occupations Article, §4-315(b)(3), Annotated Code of Maryland, for practicing dental hygiene without a license.