DE SB146

Removes pending criminal charges as a disqualifying factor for dental and dental hygiene license applicants, allowing consideration only of actual convictions for crimes substantially related to the practice.

Expands the definition of disqualifying administrative penalties to include fines, formal reprimands, license suspensions or revocation, probationary limitations, and consent agreements with conditions placed by a Board on professional conduct.

Grants the Board discretion to waive criminal conviction requirements or deny licensure based on administrative penalties after a hearing or review of documentation.

Establishes an inactive license status option for dentists and dental hygienists upon written request, allowing them to reenter practice with completion of required continuing education rather than having licenses lapse.

Renumbers existing license display requirements and replacement provisions in the statute to accommodate the new inactive status section.