What constitutes a felony of the third degree in dental hygiene?

Practicing without an active license is a felony of the third degree in dental hygiene because it directly violates legal regulations established to safeguard public health and ensure that only qualified individuals provide dental hygiene services. This law protects patients from potentially harmful practices by unqualified practitioners and maintains the professional integrity of the dental hygiene field. When a dental hygienist practices without a valid license, they not only risk the welfare of their patients but also undermine the credibility of the entire profession, leading to serious legal consequences and penalties.

In contrast, while using a false identity, failing to maintain patient records, and misrepresenting treatment outcomes may also have serious implications within the practice of dental hygiene, these actions may not necessarily be classified specifically as third-degree felonies under Florida law. Utilizing a false identity could be subject to different legal charges, while record-keeping failures could lead to administrative penalties rather than criminal charges. Misrepresentation of treatment outcomes can damage professional reputation and patient trust but may also fall under malpractice rather than a felony charge. Understanding these distinctions helps dental professionals navigate their responsibilities and the legal landscape of their practice effectively.