New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 16 - OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Chapter 5 - DENTISTRY (DENTISTS, DENTAL HYGIENISTS, ETC.)
Part 29 - DENTAL HYGIENISTS, PRACTICE
Section 16.5.29.8 - SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A dental hygienist may perform dental hygiene services as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 61-5A-4 B thru F NMSA 1978 of the act with the supervision defined. In addition, a licensed hygienist may:
A. prescribe, administer or dispense therapeutic agents as per the formulary as defined in Subsection C of 16.5.29.11 NMAC;
B. function as an expanded function dental auxiliary after passing the certifying exam and completing the apprenticeship accepted by the board;
C. function as a community dental health coordinator after completing a program certifed by the board;
D. except in cases where a tooth exhibits cavitation of the enamel surface, assessing without a dentist's evaluation whether the application of pit and fssure sealants is indicated;
E. except in cases where a tooth exhibits cavitation of the enamel surface, applying pit and fssure sealants without mechanical alteration of the tooth;
F. administration of local anesthesia as defined in 16.5.28 NMAC; and
G. such other closely related services as permitted by the rules of the committee and the board.
H. Effective July 1, 2015, a dental hygienist who owns a dental practice must register as a non-dentist owner. No additional license or fee is required for this registration. A dental hygienist who owns a dental practice must notify the board, in writing, if the dental practice has been sold or has closed.
