Licensing

Collaborative Practice

A New Mexico licensed dental hygienist may apply for certification as a collaborative practice dental hygienist if the hygienist meets the following criteria:

• Completed the Application for Certification for the Collaborative Practice of Dental Hygiene available online;
• Possess a current New Mexico dental hygiene license in good standing;
• Have been engaged in the active practice of dental hygiene as defined in 61-5A-4(B) of the Act for not less than:
  • 2,400 hours of active practice for the past eighteen months;
    OR
  • A total of 3,000 hours of active practice and has been engaged in active practice for two of the past three years;
• Meet the educational criteria for licensure in Section 61-5A-13 (A) of the Act;
• Have 15 hours of continuing education in clinical dental hygiene in the twelve (12) months prior to certification, which includes courses in infection control and medical emergencies;
• Has an agreement with a Consulting Dentist as defined in the Rules.

For information regarding additional requirements, refer to the New Mexico Statute and Rules.

For an application and further information, contact:

New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and the New Mexico Dental Hygienists Committee
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87504-5101
Phone: 505-476-4680
Fax: 505-476-4545
Website: www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Dental_Health_Care.aspx
Email: dental.board@state.nm.us