(a) The executive director of the Texas State Board
of Dental Examiners must authorize a qualified military spouse to
practice as a dental hygienist in Texas without obtaining a license
in accordance with §55.0041(a), Texas Occupations Code. This
authorization to practice is valid during the time the military service
member to whom the military spouse is married is stationed at a military
installation in Texas, but is not to exceed three years.
(b) In order to receive authorization to practice the
military spouse must:
(1) hold an active dental hygienist license in another
state, territory, Canadian province, or country that:
(A) has licensing requirements that are determined
by the board to be substantially equivalent to the requirements for
certification in Texas; and
(B) is not subject to any restriction, disciplinary
order, probation, or investigation;
(2) notify the board of the military spouse's intent
to practice in Texas on a form prescribed by the board; and
(3) submit proof of the military spouse's residency
in this state, a copy of the spouse's military identification card,
and proof of the military member's status as an active duty military
service member as defined by §437.001(1), Texas Government Code
(relating to Definitions).
(c) While authorized to practice as a dental hygienist
in Texas, the military spouse shall comply with all other laws and
regulations applicable to the practice of dentistry in Texas.
(d) Once the board receives the form containing notice
of a military spouse's intent to practice in Texas, the board shall
verify whether the military spouse's license in another state, territory,
Canadian province, or country is active and in good standing. Additionally,
the board shall determine whether the licensing requirements in that
jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to the requirements for
licensure in Texas.
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