38-1131. Licensed dental hygienist; procedures and functions authorized; enumerated.

229 words·~1 min read·/ne/chapter-38/38-1131

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

When authorized by and under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, a licensed dental hygienist may perform the following intra and extra oral procedures and functions:

(1)Oral prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, and root planing which includes supragingival and subgingival debridement;

(2)Polish all exposed tooth surfaces, including restorations;

(3)Conduct and assess preliminary charting, probing, screening examinations, and indexing of dental and periodontal disease, with referral, when appropriate, for a dental diagnosis by a licensed dentist;

(4)Brush biopsies;

(5)Pulp vitality testing;

(6)Gingival curettage;

(7)Removal of sutures;

(8)Preventive measures, including the application of fluorides, sealants, and other recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease;

(9)Impressions for study casts;

(10)Application of topical and subgingival agents;

(11)Radiographic exposures;

(12)Oral health education, including conducting workshops and inservice training sessions on dental health;

(13)Application or administration of antimicrobial rinses, fluorides, and other anticariogenic agents;

(14)Upon completion of education and testing approved by the board, interim therapeutic restoration technique; and

(15)All of the duties that a dental assistant who is not licensed is authorized to perform.

Upon completion of education and testing approved by the board and when authorized by and under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, a licensed dental hygienist may write prescriptions for mouth rinses and fluoride products that help decrease the risk for tooth decay.