HI HB1053

Requires dental hygiene applicants to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as a prerequisite for licensure in Hawaii.

Adds passage of the national examination to existing requirements of being at least 18 years old, holding a diploma from an ADA-accredited dental hygiene school with at least a two-year course, and having certification in intra-oral anesthesia administration.

Establishes that once a national clinical examination becomes available, applicants must pass it instead of the state or regional examinations, with an exception for those who passed a regional or state exam after February 1, 2005 but before the national exam availability.

Continues to require dental hygienists to practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist and limits intra-oral block anesthesia administration to only those categories listed in the course content submitted to the board.

Takes effect upon approval.