Using the letters R.D.H. after your name before licensure is classified as what type of offense?

Using the letters R.D.H. after your name before obtaining licensure is classified as a misdemeanor offense because it pertains to the unauthorized use of a professional title. In Florida, a registered dental hygienist (RDH) can only use this designation once they have acquired the appropriate licensure and are legally permitted to practice dental hygiene. Misrepresentation or fraudulent claiming of licensure, such as using the R.D.H. designation without having the credential, is taken seriously within the regulatory framework. As a misdemeanor, this type of offense reflects a legal violation that, while serious, typically results in less severe consequences compared to felonies or gross misdemeanors. This classification serves to uphold the integrity of the profession and protect the public from potential misrepresentation.