37-4-401. Practice of dental hygiene. The practice of dental hygiene is services, performed by a licensed preventive oral health practitioner known as a dental hygienist, that are educational, therapeutic, prophylactic, or preventive procedures in nature, as the board in writing defines and authorizes, and that may be performed under general supervision of a licensed dentist. The practice of dental hygiene also includes and the board shall authorize the administration of local anesthetic agents by a licensed dental hygienist certified by the board to administer the agents only under the direct supervision and authorization of a licensed dentist. However, this section does not allow the board or a licensed dentist to delegate any of the following duties:
     (1) diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescription;
     (2) surgical procedures on hard and soft tissues other than root planing and subgingival curettage;
     (3) restorative, prosthetic, orthodontic, and other procedures which require the knowledge and skill of a dentist;
     (4) prescription for drugs or medications or work authorizations.

     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(part); amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 349, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 449, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 66, L. 1991.