What entity issues dental hygiene licenses in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the entity responsible for issuing dental hygiene licenses is the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. This board oversees the licensure and regulation of dental professionals, including hygienists, ensuring that they meet the required standards of education, training, and ethical practice. The primary purpose of the board is to protect public health and welfare by regulating the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene within the state.

The other entities listed do not have the primary role in issuing dental hygiene licenses. The North Carolina Board of Health and the Department of Public Health focus on broader public health issues and policies rather than the specific licensing of dental professionals. The American Dental Hygienists' Association, while an important professional organization that supports dental hygienists and promotes their interests, does not have the authority to issue licenses; this is solely within the purview of the state regulatory board. This distinction is crucial for understanding the structure of dental regulation in North Carolina.