Final answer:
The claim about mandatory fingerprinting for all dental professionals licensed before 1999 is not universally true, as regulations vary by state. It broadly reflects increased security measures in healthcare, similar to the widespread efforts to enhance ID security with the Real ID Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that all licensed dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists who were licensed before January 1, 1999, are required to submit fingerprints as part of the license renewal process beginning July 1, 2011, is false. The requirements for fingerprinting and other forms of identity verification depend on state regulations and governing dental boards. The subject of fingerprinting as a means of identity verification can be linked to more extensive security measures in various professions. In relation to the Real ID Act of 2005, which ramped up security for driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards, authorities have shown greater vigilance across different sectors to improve homeland security.
Implementation of measures such as these can be quite onerous and costly, particularly in the dental profession where providers are at risk for things like needle sticks and need to maintain a high level of practice security. While this specific requirement may not be accurate for every licensed dental professional, it highlights the broader theme of increased security measures in healthcare and the professions more broadly.