Which of the following individuals does NOT need a dental license to perform their duties?

A faculty member at a dental school does not need a dental license to perform their duties because their role is typically focused on teaching and training dental students. These individuals may possess extensive knowledge and experience in dentistry, but their primary function is to educate future dental professionals rather than provide direct patient care or perform dental procedures themselves.

The other individuals mentioned, such as a dental assistant, a licensed physician treating dental issues, and a practicing dental hygienist, all have specific scopes of practice governed by licensure requirements. Dental assistants must be trained and sometimes certified to carry out their duties legally. Licensed physicians, while they can treat dental conditions, often operate under a different set of regulations and licensing criteria. Practicing dental hygienists also require licensure to provide their services to patients. This differentiation underscores the unique role of educators in dental school settings compared to practitioners who engage in direct patient care.