32 §1094-Q. Scope of practice
Title 32: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
Chapter 16: DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS
Subchapter 3-B: INDEPENDENT PRACTICE DENTAL HYGIENISTS
§1094-Q. Scope of practice
1. Independent practice. An independent practice dental hygienist licensed under this subchapter may perform only the following duties without supervision by a dentist:
A. Interview patients and record complete medical and dental histories; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
B. Take and record the vital signs of blood pressure, pulse and temperature; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
C. Perform oral inspections, recording all conditions that should be called to the attention of a dentist; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
D. Perform complete periodontal and dental restorative charting; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
E. Perform all procedures necessary for a complete prophylaxis, including root planing; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
F. Apply fluoride to control caries; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
G. Apply desensitizing agents to teeth; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
H. Apply topical anesthetics; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
I. Apply sealants; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
J. Smooth and polish amalgam restorations, limited to slow speed application only; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
K. Cement pontics and facings outside the mouth; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
L. Take impressions for athletic mouth guards and custom fluoride trays; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
M. Place and remove rubber dams; [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
N. Place temporary restorations in compliance with the protocol adopted by the board; and [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
O. Apply topical antimicrobials, excluding antibiotics, including fluoride, for the purposes of bacterial reduction, caries control and desensitization in the oral cavity. The independent practice dental hygienist shall follow current manufacturer's instructions in the use of these medicaments. [2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]
For the purposes of this subsection, "topical" includes superficial and intraoral application.
[ 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW) .]
2. Practice under supervision. An independent practice dental hygienist licensed under this subchapter may perform duties under the supervision of a dentist as set forth in the rules of the board pursuant to section 1095.
[ 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW) .]
SECTION HISTORY
2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).