Article 16.

Dental Hygiene Act.

§ 90-221.  Definitions.

(a) "Dental hygiene" as used in this Article shall mean the performance of the following functions: Complete oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents to oral structures, exposure and processing of radiographs, administration of medicaments prescribed by a licensed dentist, preparation of diagnostic aids, and written records of oral conditions for interpretation by the dentist, together with such other and further functions as may be permitted by rules and regulations of the Board not inconsistent herewith. Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 90-29(b)(6), dental hygiene shall include the administration of local anesthetics by infiltration and block techniques by dental hygienists certified pursuant to G.S. 90-225.2, if a dental hygienist conducts administration of local anesthetics under the direct supervision of a dentist licensed to practice dentistry under Article 2 of this Chapter.

(b) "Dental hygienist" as used in this Article, shall mean any person who is a graduate of a Board-accredited school of dental hygiene, who has been licensed by the Board, and who practices dental hygiene as prescribed by the Board.

(b1) "Direct supervision" as used in this Article shall mean that acts are deemed to be under required supervision only when performed in a locale where the supervising licensed dentist is physically present and shall not include supervision under G.S. 90-233(a) and (a1).

(c) "License" shall mean a certificate issued to any applicant upon completion of requirements for admission to practice dental hygiene.

(d) "Renewal certificate" shall mean the annual certificate of renewal of license to continue practice of dental hygiene in the State of North Carolina.

(e) "Board" shall mean "The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners" created by Chapter 139, Public Laws of 1879, and Chapter 178, Public Laws of 1915 as continued in existence by G.S. 90-22.

(f) "Supervision" as used in this Article shall mean that acts are deemed to be under the supervision of a licensed dentist when performed in a locale where a licensed dentist is physically present during the performance of such acts, except those acts performed under direction and in compliance with G.S. 90-233(a) or G.S. 90-233(a1), and such acts are being performed pursuant to the dentist's order, control and approval. (1945, c. 639, s. 1; 1971, c. 756, s. 1; 1981, c. 824, s. 1; 2007-124, s. 1; 2021-95, s. 2(a), (b).)