2023 Maryland Statutes
Health Occupations
Title 4 - Dentistry
Subtitle 3 - Licensing
Section 4-301.1 - Intraoral Procedures Provided by Dental Assistant -- Certification by Board as Expanded Function Dental Assistant

    (a)    (1)    A dental assistant may assist a licensed dentist in providing the following intraoral procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist without being certified by the Board:

            (i)    Rinsing and aspiration of the oral cavity;

            (ii)    Retraction of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and flaps;

            (iii)    Placement and removal of materials for the isolation of the dentition, provided that the material is not retained by the dentition;

            (iv)    Instructing on oral hygiene;

            (v)    Taking impressions for study models or diagnostic casts;

            (vi)    Constructing athletic mouth guards on models;

            (vii)    Applying topical anesthesia;

            (viii)    Curing by the use of halogen light;

            (ix)    Checking for loose bands; and

            (x)    Any other procedure that the Board authorizes by a rule or regulation.

        (2)    A dental assistant may assist in performing intraoral photography, other than conventional or digital X–ray, under the general supervision of a licensed dentist who reviews the photography and authorizes the treatment plan without being certified by the Board.

    (b)    (1)    Except for an individual licensed as a dentist or a dental hygienist under this title, an individual shall be certified by the Board as an expanded function dental assistant authorized to perform at least one of the following intraoral procedures before the individual may perform the intraoral procedure in the State:

            (i)    Assisting in orthodontic procedures authorized by the Board in regulation;

            (ii)    Placing dental sealants;

            (iii)    Coronal polishing only to remove stain or biofilm:

                1.    In connection with a dental prophylaxis:

                A.    As determined necessary and appropriate, secondary to the more complex dental procedures of a dental prophylaxis, such as removal of hard and soft deposits and stain of the tooth crown, root surfaces, and periodontal pocket; and

                B.    If applicable, in consultation with the treating dental hygienist; or

                2.    Before a dentist performs an esthetic or cementation procedure;

            (iv)    Applying silver diamine fluoride;

            (v)    Monitoring nitrous oxide by observing a patient:

                1.    During the flow of nitrous oxide;

                2.    During the reduction of the flow of nitrous oxide;

                3.    During the shutting off of equipment controlling the flow of nitrous oxide; and

                4.    At all times in between the start of the flow of nitrous oxide until the nitrous oxide has been terminated and the patient has fully awoken and is coherent; or

            (vi)    Additional intraoral procedures authorized by the Board in regulations.

        (2)    A dental assistant who is certified by the Board to perform an intraoral procedure listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection may perform the intraoral procedure listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection if a licensed dentist:

            (i)    Gives the certified dental assistant specific instructions to perform the intraoral procedure; and

            (ii)    Directly supervises the certified dental assistant performing the intraoral procedure.