What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your New York Dental Hygiene License
To reinstate a lapsed dental hygiene license in New York, you must submit a reinstatement process to the New York State Department of State, Division of Professional Licensing Services. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you meet the continuing education requirements for the period you were not licensed.
New York recognizes two reinstatement paths: standard reinstatement (for licenses lapsed five years or less) and reinstatement after extended lapse (for licenses inactive longer than five years). Each path has different education and documentation requirements, and the timeline to approval typically ranges from four to eight weeks after the Department receives a complete process.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete continuing education hours for every year your license was inactive, even if you were not practicing.
- Standard reinstatement applies if your license lapsed five years ago or more recently; extended lapse reinstatement applies if it has been inactive longer than five years.
- You will need to submit proof of continuing education, a completed reinstatement process form, and the reinstatement fee to the Department of State.
- The Department of State processes reinstatement applications, not your local dental board or employer.
Continuing Education Requirements for Reinstatement
New York requires dental hygienists to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to keep an active license. When you reinstate, you must show that you have completed the continuing education hours for every year your license was inactive, calculated from the expiration date forward.
For example, if your license expired in 2020 and you are explore to reinstate in 2024, you must provide proof of 60 hours of continuing education (30 hours per two-year cycle for 2020–2022 and 2022–2024). Courses must be approved by the New York State Department of State or accredited by recognized bodies such as the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) or the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA).
If your license has been inactive for longer than five years, you may be required to retake the New York State Board Examination or complete additional clinical competency verification, depending on the Department's assessment of your process. Contact the Department directly to confirm what is required for your specific situation.
Standard Reinstatement (Five Years or Less)
Standard reinstatement is the faster path if your license lapsed within the last five years. You will need to submit the reinstatement process form (available on the Department of State website), proof of the required continuing education hours, your original license number or Social Security number for identification, and the reinstatement fee.
The reinstatement fee for a dental hygiene license in New York is set by the Department of State and should be confirmed on their website or by calling their licensing unit, as fees can change. Payment is typically made by check or money order sent with your process packet.
Once the Department receives your complete process, you will receive a confirmation letter with an process number. Processing usually takes four to six weeks. You will be notified by mail whether your reinstatement has been approved, and your license will be reactivated in the Department's records.
Reinstatement After Extended Lapse (More Than Five Years)
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the reinstatement process is more rigorous. In addition to the continuing education hours for every year of inactivity, you may be required to demonstrate current clinical competency or retake portions of the licensing examination.
The Department of State will review your process and notify you in writing of any additional requirements before you can be reinstated. This may include a practical skills assessment, a written examination, or supervised practice hours under a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. The Department will specify exactly what you need to complete and the timeline for doing so.
This path typically takes longer than standard reinstatement—often eight to twelve weeks or more—because the Department must evaluate your qualifications and may require you to schedule and complete additional testing or observation.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement process
Applications are submitted by mail to the New York State Department of State, Division of Professional Licensing Services. The mailing address and current process form are available on the Department of State website under the Dental Hygiene license section.
Your process packet should include: the completed reinstatement process form, proof of continuing education (course certificates or transcripts from approved providers), a copy of your original license or identification, the reinstatement fee, and a cover letter stating your license number and the date it expired. Do not send original documents; send copies only.
Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the Department received your process. If your process is incomplete, the Department will send you a notice listing what is missing and give you a important date to submit the missing items.
What Happens After You Are Reinstated
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Department of State will send you a letter confirming your license is active again. Your name will reappear in the Department's online license verification system, which employers and patients can search to confirm your status.
You are responsible for meeting all continuing education requirements going forward. Your next continuing education cycle will begin on the date your license is reinstated, and you will need to complete 30 hours every two years to keep your license active. Mark your calendar or set a reminder so you do not let your license lapse again.
If you plan to work for a dental practice or clinic, notify your employer that your license has been reinstated so they can update their records. Some employers require proof of reinstatement before you can return to work.
Common Reasons Reinstatement Applications Are Delayed or Denied
The most common reason for delay is incomplete continuing education documentation. If your course certificates do not clearly show the course title, date, number of hours, and the provider's approval status, the Department will ask you to resubmit or obtain clarification from the course provider. This can add two to four weeks to processing time.
Applications are also delayed when the reinstatement fee is incorrect or missing, or when the process form itself is incomplete (for example, missing your signature or license number). Before you mail your process, review the checklist on the Department's website to make sure you have included everything.
Reinstatement may be denied if you have disciplinary history with the Department, outstanding complaints, or if you do not meet the continuing education requirements. If your process is denied, the Department will provide a written explanation and information about how to appeal or reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a dental hygienist while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice as a dental hygienist in New York with a lapsed license. You must wait for your reinstatement to be approved and your license to be reactivated. Working without an active license is a violation of New York law and can result in fines or legal action.
Do I need to retake the New York State Board Examination to reinstate?
Not usually, if your license lapsed five years ago or more recently and you complete the required continuing education. However, if your license has been inactive for more than five years, the Department may require you to retake the exam or complete a clinical competency assessment. The Department will tell you what is required when they review your process.
What if I completed continuing education while my license was lapsed but did not know I had to?
That education may count toward your reinstatement requirement if the courses were approved by the Department of State or recognized accrediting bodies. Submit the certificates with your reinstatement process and explain the situation in a cover letter. The Department will review what you have and let you know if additional hours are needed.
How long does reinstatement take if my license lapsed more than five years ago?
Extended lapse reinstatement typically takes eight to twelve weeks or longer because the Department must assess whether you need additional testing or clinical verification. The exact timeline depends on what additional requirements the Department identifies and how quickly you can complete them.
Where do I find the reinstatement process form and fee amount?
Both are available on the New York State Department of State website under the Professional Licensing Services section, specifically on the Dental Hygiene license page. You can also call the Department's licensing unit to request the form by mail or to confirm the current reinstatement fee.