SUBCHAPTER 16G - DENTAL HYGIENISTS

SECTION .0100 - FUNCTIONS THAT MAY BE DELEGATED

21 NCAC 16G .0101         FUNCTIONS That MAY BE DELEGATED

A dental hygienist may be delegated functions to be performed under the control and supervision of a dentist who shall be responsible for any and all consequences or results arising from performance of such acts and functions. In addition to the functions set out in G.S. 90-221(a) and 21 NCAC 16H .0203, functions that may be delegated to a dental hygienist provided that the dentist first examined the patient and prescribed the procedure include:

(1)           performing periodontal screening;

(2)           performing periodontal probing;

(3)           performing subgingival exploration for or removal of hard or soft deposits;

(4)           performing sulcular irrigation;

(5)           applying resorbable sulcular antimicrobial or antibiotic agents;

(6)           using ultrasonic scalers for prophylaxis;

(7)           performing scaling and root planning;

(8)           applying oral cancer screening products in preparation for the dentist's examination and diagnosis of oral cancer;

(9)           using laser fluorescence detectors in preparation for the dentist's examination and diagnosis of cavities;

(10)         applying resin infiltration treatment for incipient smooth surface lesions, following the dentist's diagnosis that the lesion is non-penetrable; or

(11)         applying silver diamine fluoride.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-41; 90-221; 90-223(b); 90-233;

Eff. September 3, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 26, 1977;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2017; August 1, 2016; April 1, 2015; August 1, 2008; August 1, 2000; May 1, 1989; October 1, 1985; March 1, 1985;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2018.