DELEGATION OF DUTIES BY DENTIST

(a) A licensed dentist may delegate orally or in writing a service, task, or procedure to a dental hygienist who is under the supervision and responsibility of the dentist, if: (1) the dental hygienist is licensed to perform the service, task, or procedure; (2) the supervising dentist examines the patient: (A) at the time the service, task, or procedure is performed by the dental hygienist; or (B) during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of performance of the service, task, or procedure by the dental hygienist; and (3) the dental hygienist does not: (A) diagnose a dental disease or ailment; (B) prescribe a treatment or a regimen; (C) prescribe, order, or dispense medication; or (D) perform any procedure that is irreversible or involves the intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue by any means. (b) A licensed dentist may delegate to a dental hygienist any act that a dentist may delegate to a dental assistant. (c) A dentist is not required to be on the premises when the dental hygienist performs a delegated act. (d) This chapter does not prevent a dentist from authorizing a dental hygienist employed by the dentist to: (1) instruct and educate a patient in proper oral hygiene; or (2) provide to a patient a medication ordered by the dentist. (e) This chapter does not prevent a dental hygienist from incidentally removing cementum during root planing.