If a dental hygienist violates any provision of their licensure, what are they guilty of?

A dental hygienist who violates any provision of their licensure is guilty of a misdemeanor. This classification arises from the legal framework that governs the practice of dental hygiene, where violations related to licensure typically carry misdemeanor charges rather than felonies or civil infractions. Misdemeanors are generally less severe than felonies and often involve penalties such as fines, community service, or a short-term jail sentence, emphasizing the importance of compliance with licensure regulations.

Civil infractions generally involve violations that do not carry the same level of penalty or moral culpability as misdemeanors, such as minor traffic violations. An administrative error does not connote a formal legal violation and may pertain to procedural mistakes rather than unlawful conduct. Thus, recognizing the specific legal context surrounding licensure violations among dental hygienists is crucial in understanding why the correct classification is a misdemeanor.