21 NCAC 16Z .0101. ELIGIBILITY TO PRACTICE HYGIENE OUTSIDE DIRECT SUPERVISION

(a)  To be eligible to perform the clinical hygiene procedures set out in G.S. 90-221(a) without the direct supervision of a dentist, a dental hygienist must:

(1)           maintain an active license to practice dental hygiene in this State;

(2)           have no prior disciplinary history in any State;

(3)           complete at least three years of experience in clinical dental hygiene or at least 2,000 hours of performing primarily prophylaxis or periodontal debridement under the supervision of a dentist licensed in this State within the five calendar years immediately preceding initial approval to work without direct supervision;

(4)           successfully complete annual CPR certification;

(5)           successfully complete at least six hours of Board approved continuing education in dental office medical emergencies, in addition to the requirements of G.S. 90-225.1.

(b)  To retain eligibility to perform the clinical hygiene procedures set out in G.S. 90-221(a) without direct supervision of a dentist, a dental hygienist must:

(1)           successfully complete at least six hours of Board approved continuing education in dental office medical emergencies each year, in addition to the requirements of G.S. 90-225.1;

(2)           successfully complete annual CPR certification;

(3)           comply with all provisions of the N.C. Dental Practice Act and all rules of the Dental Board applicable to dental hygienists; and

(4)           cooperate fully with all lawful Board inspections of any facility at which the hygienist provides dental hygiene services without direct supervision of a dentist.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-221; 90-233;

Eff. February 1, 2008.