2013 Maryland Code
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
§ 4-206 - Rules and regulations expanding the practice of dental hygiene

§4-206.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Board may adopt rules and regulations that authorize a licensed dental hygienist to perform additional intraoral functions.

(b) The Board may not authorize a licensed dental hygienist to:

(1) Perform a diagnosis;

(2) Perform an extraction;

(3) Repair a cavity;

(4) Correct tooth placement;

(5) Perform a surgical procedure; or

(6) Administer anesthesia other than the following:

(i) Topical anesthesia; or

(ii) Local anesthesia in accordance with § 4-206.1 of this subtitle.

§ 4-206 - 1. Administration of local anesthesia by dental hygienist

(a) In general. -- Subject to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia by infiltration for the purpose of anesthetizing soft tissue to facilitate the performance of dental hygiene procedures, but not as a medical specialty, provided the administration of local anesthesia is under the supervision of a dentist who:

(1) Is physically present on the premises; and

(2) Prescribes the administration of local anesthesia by the dental hygienist.

(b) Educational and examination requirements. -- Before a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia under subsection (a) of this section, the dental hygienist shall successfully complete the following:

(1) Any educational requirements established by the Board; and

(2) A written and clinical examination as required by the Board.

(c) Accredited dental hygiene program. -- A dental hygienist shall obtain the educational requirements established by the Board under subsection (b)(1) of this section from an accredited dental hygiene program.

§ 4-206 - 2. Dental hygienist -- Monitoring of patient under administration of nitrous oxide [Section subject to abrogation]

(a) In general. -- A dental hygienist may monitor a patient to whom nitrous oxide is administered provided the monitoring of the patient is under the supervision of a dentist who is physically present on the premises.

(b) Educational and examination requirements. -- Before a dental hygienist may monitor a patient to whom nitrous oxide is administered, the dental hygienist shall successfully complete the following:

(1) Any educational requirements established by the Board; and

(2) A written and clinical examination as required by the Board.

(c) Accredited dental hygiene program. -- A dental hygienist shall complete the educational requirements established by the Board under subsection (b)(1) of this section through an accredited dental hygiene program.

§ 4-206 - 2. Dental hygienist -- Monitoring of patient under administration of nitrous oxide (Abrogation of section effective September 30, 2014.)

Abrogated.

§ 4-206 - 3. Administration of local anesthesia by inferior alveolar nerve block by dental hygienist

(a) In general. -- Subject to the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia by inferior alveolar nerve block for the purpose of anesthetizing soft tissue to facilitate the performance of dental hygiene procedures, but not as a medical specialty, provided the administration of the local anesthesia is under the supervision of a dentist who:

(1) Is physically present on the premises; and

(2) Prescribes the administration of local anesthesia by the dental hygienist.

(b) Requirements. --

(1) Before a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia under subsection (a) of this section, the dental hygienist shall successfully complete the following:

(i) Any educational requirements established by the Board; and

(ii) A written and clinical examination as required by the Board.

(2) A dental hygienist shall obtain the education required under paragraph (1) of this subsection from an accredited dental hygiene program.

(3) A dental hygienist who successfully completed the education requirements and examination required under paragraph (1) of this subsection before October 1, 2011, shall take and successfully complete a refresher course and a clinical examination from an accredited dental hygiene program.