Under self-regulation, which statement is NOT typically true about licensing?

• A. Licensing is handled by the government
• B. The dental hygienists themselves are the licensing authority
• C. A state board issues licenses
• D. The government maintains licensing records

Answer: (B)

Licensing in a self-regulated profession is handled by a government-created regulatory body, not by individual practitioners. That board, usually made up of licensed professionals and public members, operates in the public interest and is part of the government framework. The reason the statement about dental hygienists themselves being the licensing authority isn’t typical is that the authority to license rests with this board, which reviews credentials, enforces standards, and issues licenses. The government supports this process through the board and maintains the licensing records, ensuring accountability and public access to licensure status.