SUBCHAPTER 16Z - LIMITED SUPERVISION HYGIENISTS

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 shall:

(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 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)           maintain current CPR certification; and

(5)           complete at least six hours of Board approved continuing education in dental office medical emergencies, in addition to the minimum hours of continuing education required for license renewal. A list of Board-approved sponsors appears in 21 NCAC 16I .0202.

(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 shall:

(1)           complete at least six hours of Board approved continuing education in dental office medical emergencies each year, in addition to the minimum hours of continuing education required for license renewal;

(2)           maintain current 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 with all Board inspections of any facility at which the hygienist provides dental hygiene services without direct supervision of a dentist.

(c)  Nothing in this Rule shall be construed to permit a dental hygienist to administer local anesthetics as set out in G.S. 90-221(a) without the direct supervision of a North Carolina licensed dentist.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-221; 90-229; 90-233;

Eff. February 1, 2008;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2015;

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

Amended Eff. July 1, 2022.