21 NCAC 16g .0103         PROCEDURES PROHIBITED

Those procedures that require the professional education and skill of a dentist and shall not be delegated to a dental hygienist include:

(1)           performing comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning;

(2)           performing surgical or cutting procedures on hard or soft tissues, including laser, air abrasion, or micro-abrasion procedures;

(3)           placing or removing therapeutic sulcular nonresorbable agents;

(4)           issuing prescription drugs, medications, or work authorizations;

(5)           performing the final placement or intraoral adjustment of a fixed or removable appliance;

(6)           performing intraoral occlusal adjustments that affect function, fit, or occlusion of any temporary or permanent restoration or appliance;

(7)           performing direct pulp capping or pulpotomy;

(8)           placing sutures;

(9)           performing final placement or cementation of orthodontic bands or brackets;

(10)         performing the placement or cementation of final restorations;

(11)         administering any anesthetic by any route except the administration of:

(a)           topically-applied agents intended to anesthetize only cutaneous tissue; or

(b)           local anesthetics by dental hygienists certified in accordance with G.S. 90-221(a) and this Section, and administered under the direct supervision of a North Carolina licensed dentist;

(12)         using a high-speed handpiece intraorally;

(13)         performing cementation of endodontic posts;

(14)         condensing Amalgam;

(15)         using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit;

(16)         applying formocresol;

(17)         placing stainless steel crown on permanent or primary teeth;

(18)         performing pulp vitality testing;

(19)         performing curettage;

(20)         placing periodontal or surgical dressing;

(21)         performing oral brush biopsy;

(22)         taking bite registration or elastometrics;

(23)         placing eugenol wick in dry socket;

(24)         fabricating or delivering sleep apnea appliance;

(25)         removing, replacing, or torqueing either impression or prosthetic implant abutments; and

(26)         administering any sedation or general anesthesia pharmacological agents, including drawing a dosage into a syringe.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑221(a); 90‑223(b);

Eff. September 3, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 26, 1977;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2016; August 1, 2008; August 1, 2000; May 1, 1989; March 1, 1985;

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

Amended Eff. July 1, 2022; September 1, 2020; April 1, 2018.