What is the purpose of the dental hygiene license renewal process in New Jersey?

The purpose of the dental hygiene license renewal process in New Jersey is to ensure ongoing competency and adherence to professional standards. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity of the profession and ensuring patient safety. By requiring dental hygienists to periodically renew their licenses, the state establishes a framework that mandates continuing education and professional development. This helps hygienists stay updated on current practices, advances in techniques, and the latest research in dental care, ensuring that they can provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

While aspects like collecting fees and updating technology are relevant to the overall profession, they serve secondary roles compared to the primary goal of maintaining competency and adherence to standards. The renewal process emphasizes the necessity for dental hygienists to remain knowledgeable about emerging trends and standards in dental hygiene, which reinforces public trust and safety in dental practices.