Code of Massachusetts Regulations
234 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN DENTISTRY
Title 234 CMR 5.00 - REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY, DENTAL HYGIENE, AND DENTAL ASSISTING
Section 5.07 - Dental Hygiene Practice and Public Health Dental Hygienist Practice

Universal Citation: 234 MA Code of Regs 234.5

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) A dental hygienist may provide dental services which are educational, therapeutic, prophylactic and preventive in nature as may be authorized by the Board and may perform all tasks performed by a dental assistant under the specific type of supervision set forth in 234 CMR 5.11. A dental hygienist or public health dental hygienist may not perform acts or services which require diagnosis and treatment planning for non-dental hygiene services, surgical or cutting procedures on hard or soft tissue, and/or the prescription of medications, unless specifically authorized in 234 CMR 5.07 and 5.12.

(2) Educational Requirements for Public Health Dental Hygiene Practice.

(a) Prior to practicing as a public health dental hygienist pursuant to 234 CMR 2.03: Definitions and 5.08, a dental hygienist shall successfully complete a minimum of ten hours of continuing education as follows:
1.A minimum of six hours of hands-on experience in a public health setting. A dental hygienist who has documentation demonstrating a minimum of six hours of hands on experience in a public health setting between January 1, 2005 and August 20, 2010 shall be deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

2.Successful completion, within 24 months prior to commencement of practice as a public health dental hygienist, of continuing education in each of the following areas:
a.CDC Guidelines ( 234 CMR 2.00: Purpose, Authority, Definitions);

b.Risk Management for practice in a public health setting; and

c.Management of medical emergencies.

(b) The public health dental hygienist shall permanently retain documentation demonstrating compliance with 234 CMR 5.07(2)(a) and 5.08.

(3) A public health dental hygienist practicing in a public health setting may perform those dental services which are authorized by the Board pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 51, to be provided in a public health setting, pursuant to a written collaborative agreement (WCA) that complies with requirements described in 234 CMR 5.08 including a signed affidavit that confirms successful completion of the continuing education required in 234 CMR 5.07(2).

(4) A registered dental hygienist practicing in a public health setting may provide dental hygiene services, including placement of sealants, without first having a dentist examine the patient, either pursuant to a written collaborative agreement (WCA) that complies with requirements described in 234 CMR 5.08, or pursuant to a standing order under the general supervision of a dentist licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 45.

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