What must dental hygienists ensure to maintain licensure in Iowa?

To maintain licensure in Iowa, dental hygienists must engage in continuing education. This requirement ensures that dental hygienists stay current with the latest advancements in dental care, techniques, and regulations. Continuing education not only enhances professional knowledge but also promotes high standards of practice which ultimately benefits patients.

In Iowa, specific numbers of hours of continuing education are mandated for licensure renewal, reflecting the commitment to lifelong learning in the dental hygiene profession. This is essential in a field that is constantly evolving with new research, technologies, and methodologies.

The other choices, while potentially related to professional practice, do not directly pertain to the established requirements for maintaining licensure. Annual examinations may not be a standard requirement for all dental hygienists. Patient reviews could provide valuable feedback but are not a formal component of licensure maintenance. Office inspections are related to regulatory compliance but are typically conducted by state boards rather than being a direct responsibility of the individual hygienist to maintain their license.