(a) The board shall be authorized to require persons seeking renewal of a dental hygienist license to complete board approved continuing education of not less than 22 hours biennially. The board shall be authorized to approve courses offered by institutions of higher learning and professional organizations. At least 15 hours of continuing education in each renewal cycle shall be scientifically based.
(b) The board shall be authorized to waive the continuing education requirements in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.
(c) The board shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.
(d) This Code section shall apply to each licensing, certification, and renewal cycle which begins after the 1990-1991 renewal.