Oh Snap! Illinois Dental Hygiene License Renewal Shenanigans: A Guide (Because Let's Face It, Adulting is Hard)
Hey there, fellow dental hygienists! Is your wallet feeling a little lighter and your heart rate mysteriously elevated? Then congratulations, you've probably forgotten (like the rest of us) that it's time to renew your Illinois dental hygiene license. Don't worry, we've all been there. Flossing daily is easier than remembering these things, am I right? But fear not, my cavity-fighting comrades, because this guide is here to navigate the not-so-terrifying waters of license renewal.
How To Renew Dental Hygiene License In Illinois |
Step 1: Denial Ain't a River in Egypt (Unless You Live There, Then Maybe)
The first stage is acceptance. Admit you haven't renewed your license yet. It's okay, we all have that dentist-office-waiting-room-esque level of forgetfulness sometimes. Denial won't get your teeth (or your license) clean.
Step 2: Dig Up Those Details (Unless You're an Archaeologist, Then Go Wild)
You'll need some key info for this adventure:
- Your license expiration date: This little gem is usually printed right on your license. Think of it like a dental cleaning appointment reminder, but way less fun (and minty).
- Your IDFPR login information: IDFPR stands for Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. If you haven't used it in a while, your login might be buried deeper than wisdom teeth.
Pro-Tip: If you can't find your login info, don't despair! The IDFPR website has a handy dandy "forgot my login" feature.
Step 3: CE Credits: You've Got the Power (Like Fluoride Over Sugar Bugs)
Continuing education (CE) is mandatory to keep your license shiny and new. You'll need to have completed 36 hours of CE credits in the past three years. These credits are like dental floss for your brain - they keep it sharp and ready to tackle even the toughest plaque.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
But wait! There are some mandatory topics you need to cover. These include:
- Mandated Reporter (every 3 years)
- Implicit Bias
- CPR
- Sexual Harassment
- Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) - Administrative Code
Think of these as your dental hygiene knowledge power-ups!
Step 4: The IDFPR Website: Your Gateway to Renewal Bliss (or at least, Not Getting Fined)
Head over to the IDFPR website (https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/dentist.html). This is where the magic happens (or at least the online form filling).
- Log in with your unearthed login info.
- Follow the prompts - it's like a choose-your-own-adventure story, but instead of treasure, you get a renewed license!
- Pay the fee - because adulting always involves some form of financial sacrifice.
- Upload proof of your CE credits - remember those power-ups? Here's where you show them off.
Don't forget to hit submit! High fives all around for (almost) being done.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Step 5: Breathe Easy, Warrior of Oral Health!
You've done it! You've conquered the Illinois dental hygiene license renewal beast. Now you can go forth and conquer tartar with renewed vigor!
Bonus Tip: Renewing your license online is usually available 2-3 months before your expiration date. Don't wait until the last minute! Trust me, no one enjoys a dental hygiene license renewal panic attack.
FAQ: Dental Hygiene License Renewal in Illinois (Cliff Notes Edition)
How to find my license expiration date?
Look on your license!
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
How to log in to the IDFPR website?
Use your IDFPR login info. If you forgot it, there's a "forgot my login" feature.
How many CE credits do I need?
36 hours in the past three years.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
What are some mandatory CE topics?
Mandated Reporter, Implicit Bias, CPR, Sexual Harassment, JCAR- Administrative Code
How to renew my license online?
Log in to the IDFPR website, follow the prompts, pay the fee, upload your CE credits, and submit!