21 ncac 16g .0109         dental hygienist certification to administer local anesthetics

(a)  To apply for certification to administer local anesthetics by block or infiltration techniques:

(1)           a dental hygienist holding a valid dental hygiene license issued or renewed by the Board on or after October 1, 2021, shall submit to the Board a certificate of completion from a dental hygiene program meeting the requirements set out in G.S. 90-225.2 that was completed within five years prior to the date of the application; or

(2)           a dental hygienist licensed in North Carolina or any other state or territory who has been practicing dental hygiene for the two year period set out in G.S. 90-225.3(a)(2) shall submit to the Board evidence that, within five years prior to the date of the application, the applicant completed a course or courses meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-225.3(a)(3), including a certified letter stating the applicant's completion of the required injections in a course. For purposes of this Rule, "certified" shall mean the letter bears:

(A)          the notarized signature of a licensed dentist instructor who supervised the applicant's completion of the injections during the course or courses; or

(B)          the official seal or stamp of the school, college, or continuing education provider through which the applicant completed the course or courses.

(b)  If an applicant completed the course of study required pursuant to G.S. 90-225.2 or G.S. 90-225.3(a)(3) more than five years prior to submitting the application materials set out in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the applicant shall retake a course or courses meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-225.3(a)(3) before the applicant may be certified to administer local anesthetics, unless the applicant submits documentation showing the applicant has been practicing dental hygiene, including the administration of local anesthetics by infiltration and block techniques, for the two year period prior to the date of the application.

(c)  The requirements set out in Paragraph (a) of this Rule are in addition to any other applicable requirements set out in this Chapter for the issuance or renewal of a dental hygiene license.

(d)  As a condition to renew a certificate to administer local anesthetics, each dental hygienist shall complete two clock hours of continuing education each calendar year in satisfaction of the requirements of G.S. 90-225.3(c), which may be among those chosen to satisfy the requirements set out in 21 NCAC 16I .0201(a).

(e)  A dental hygienist certified in accordance with this Rule shall conduct administration of local anesthetics only under the direct supervision of a North Carolina licensed dentist.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-221; 90-223; 90-225.2; 90-225.3;

Temporary Adoption Eff. November 1, 2021;

Eff. July 1, 2022.