Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 24 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Chapter 24.138 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY
Subchapter 24.138.3 - Definitions
Rule 24.138.301 - DEFINITIONS

(1) "Administration is as follows:

(2) "Certified dental assistant" is a dental auxiliary who has successfully completed all of the following exams and holds current certification from the Dental Assisting National Board:

(3) "Coronal polishing" is a dental procedure limited to the utilization of abrasive agents on the coronal surfaces of natural and restored teeth for the purpose of plaque and extrinsic stain removal.

(4) "Direct supervision" means the provisions of allowable functions by dental hygienists, auxiliaries, or interns with the intent and knowledge of the supervising licensee and while the supervising licensee is on the premises.

(5) "General supervision" means the provision of allowable functions by dental hygienists or auxiliaries provided to a current patient of record, with the intent and knowledge of the licensee licensed and residing in the state of Montana. The supervising licensee need not be on the premises.

(6) "Inhalation sedation" means the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen in concentrations of up to 70/30 percent to provide mild relaxation and analgesia. Nitrous oxide/oxygen may produce minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia when used in combination with a sedative agent or agents. Inhalation sedation may be used in the pediatric or adult populations.

(7) "Maximum recommended dose" (MRD) means the maximum Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended dose of a drug, as printed in the FDA-approved labeling for unmonitored dose.

(8) "Minimal sedation" means a minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. When the intent is minimal sedation for adults, the appropriate dose of a single enteral drug is no more than the MRD of a drug that can be prescribed for unmonitored home use.

(9) "Moderate sedation" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. The drugs and/or techniques used for moderate sedation should render the unintended loss of consciousness unlikely. Repeated dosing of an agent before the effects of previous dosing is obtained may result in a greater alteration of the state of consciousness than intended. A patient whose only response is reflex withdrawal from a painful stimulus is not in a state of moderate sedation.

(10) "Prophylaxis" is a preventative and therapeutic dental health treatment process by which gingival irritants, including any existing combination of calculus deposits, plaque, material alba, accretions, and stains are removed supragingivally and/or subgingivally from the natural and restored surfaces of teeth by a method or methods, which may include scaling, root planing, and subgingival curettage, that are most suitable for the patient, by an appropriately licensed dentist or licensed dental hygienist.

(11) "Supplemental dosing" means a single additional dose of the initial dose of the initial drug necessary for prolonged procedures under minimal sedation. The supplemental dose should not exceed one-half of the initial total dose and should not be administered until the dentist has determined that one clinical half-life of the initial dose has passed. The total aggregate dose must not exceed one and a half times the MRD on the day of administration.

(12) "Trained healthcare professional" means a person who serves as an anesthesia monitor in a dental office. Such person shall maintain current certification in the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or its equivalent, shall be trained in monitoring patient vital signs, and shall be competent in the use of monitoring and emergency equipment appropriate for the level of sedation utilized. (The term "competent" as used in these rules means displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training and experience).