37-4-405. Dental hygienist to practice under supervision of licensed dentist. (1) A licensed dental hygienist, with the permission of the supervising dentist, may practice in the office of a licensed and actively practicing dentist, in a public or private institution, under a board of health, or in a public clinic authorized by the board, under the general supervision of a licensed dentist; however, the dental hygienist may give instruction in oral hygiene without the supervision of a licensed dentist in a public or private institution or hospital or extended care facility or under a board of health or in a public clinic.
     (2) For the purposes of this section, "supervision" is defined as follows:
     (a) "direct supervision" means treatment by a dental auxiliary or licensed dental hygienist provided with the intent and knowledge of the dentist. The treatment must be performed while the dentist is on the premises.
     (b) "general supervision" means treatment, except the administration of local anesthesia, by a licensed dental hygienist provided with the intent and knowledge of the dentist licensed and residing in the state of Montana. The supervising dentist need not be on the premises.

     History: En. Sec. 21, Ch. 48, L. 1935; re-en. Sec. 3115.21, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 352, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 88, Ch. 350, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 66-921(6); amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 493, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 363, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 66, L. 1991.