Under which condition can you practice on an expired license?

Practicing on an expired license can occur under specific circumstances, particularly until the license formally lapses. This means that there is a grace period in which an individual may continue to practice while they are in the process of renewal. In Iowa, there is typically a timeframe during which a dental hygienist can still operate even if their license has expired, as long as they have applied for the renewal and met the necessary continuing education requirements.

During this grace period, it is generally understood that the hygienist is actively working toward reinstating their license, and thus they may continue to provide dental hygiene services. However, it is crucial to understand that the ability to practice is contingent upon following all required renewal procedures and not allowing the license to lapse entirely, which would mean a cessation of the right to practice altogether.

This grace period has an implicit expectation that diligence will be taken to resolve the licensing status swiftly. Once the license has officially lapsed without renewal, the individual would no longer be legally permitted to practice at all.