(a) No person shall practice dentistry or dental hygiene or hold himself or herself out to the public in this State as being qualified to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or use in connection with the person's name, or otherwise assume or use, any title or description conveying or tending to convey the impression that the person is qualified to practice dentistry or dental hygiene unless such person has been duly licensed under this chapter.
(b) A dental hygienist licensed under this chapter shall practice dental hygiene only under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, in the office of the licensed dentist or in any public school or other public institution of this State.
(c) A licensed dental hygienist may practice under the general supervision of the State Dental Director, or the State Dental Director's designee, who shall be a licensed Delaware dentist, in schools and state institutions. A licensed dental hygienist may also practice under the general supervision of the State Dental Director, or the State Dental Director's designee, who shall be a Delaware licensed dentist, in federally qualified health centers, nonprofit organizations and other locations as designated by the Delaware Health Care Commission in consultation with DIDER. The protocols under which hygienists practice in these settings will be established by the State Dental Director and shall be subject to the approval of the Delaware State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.
(d) The State Dental Director shall be a Delaware licensed dentist. In the event that the State Dental Director does not have a Delaware dental license when hired, the State Dental Director must obtain a Delaware license within 2 years of assuming the position. The Board may grant a temporary license for a period no longer than 2 years to the State Dental Director, provided the State Dental Director has met all licensure requirements except successful completion of the practical exam. The authority to practice dentistry under such a temporary license will be limited to the performance of the duties as the State Dental Director.
(e) Whenever a license to practice as a dentist or dental hygienist in this State has expired or has been suspended or revoked, it shall be unlawful for the person to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this State.