 | LEGISLATIVE NEWS
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_______________________________________ Texas State Board of Dental Examiners’ Position Statement
on the Use of Lasers by Dental Hygienists
April 16, 2010
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners is aware that lasers can be used to replace or supplement traditional dental instruments such as handpieces, scalpels, curing lights, and the explorer.
It is the position of the Board that licensed dental hygienists may use lasers that are not capable of cutting or removing hard tissue, soft tissue, or tooth structure to perform clinical tasks that are otherwise within the hygienist’s scope of practice. Dental hygienists must perform intraoral procedures involving a laser under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.**
Whenever a new treatment modality is brought forward, it is the Board’s policy that the licensee must have proficiency and training in the use of the technology for the procedure performed. Licensees utilizing new technology must maintain documentation of the satisfactory completion of formal continuing education or training using the technology for the procedures performed. The particular technology utilized performing any particular clinical task does not alter the requirement that a dentist is ultimately responsible for any procedure delegated to an auxiliary and the auxiliary performing the procedure remains responsible for performing the task within the standard of care.
** ”General supervision” means that the dentist employs or is in charge of the dental hygienist and is responsible for supervising the services performed by the dental hygienist. The dentist may or may not be present on the premises when the dental hygienist performs the procedures.
_______________________________________ NEW RULES REGARDING DENTAL ASSISTANTS NOW IN EFFECT
RDA (RADIOLOGY CERTIFICATE) REGISTRATION PROCEDURES The RDA (Radiology Certificate) Credential is an Optional Certificate for Dental Assistants. The Dental Practice Act regulates all dental auxiliaries who take x-rays, monitor the administration of Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation Conscious Sedation, apply Pit and Fissure Sealants and perform Coronal Polishing.
Radiology Certifications issued by other state regulatory agencies will not transfer to Texas.
Who Needs to Register with the Dental Board?
- Dental Assistants who make x-rays in Texas must register with the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE). Pit and Fissure Sealant Certification New Requirements as of February 2, 2010:
The Pit and Fissure Sealant Certificate is an Optional Certificate for Dental Assistants. The Dental Practice Act regulates all dental auxiliaries who take x-rays, monitor the administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation conscious sedation, apply pit and fissure sealants and perform coronal polishing.
Dental Assistant Qualification Criteria:
Dental assistants interested in applying for the Pit and Fissure Certificate must qualify and provide proof of the following when submitting an application to the Dental Board: - At least two years of experience as a dental assistant;
- Successful completion of a current course in basic life support; and,
- Successful completion of a minimum of 8 hours of clinical and didactic education in pit and fissure sealants taken through a CODA-Accredited dental hygiene or dental assisting program approved by the Dental Board. Following course completion you submit an application to the Dental Board for processing. Please note that all required documentation and fees must be attached to the application for processing.
CORONAL POLISHING CERTIFICATE New Requirements as of February 2, 2010: Dental Assistant Qualification Criteria:
Coronal Polishing certifications issued by other state regulatory agencies will not transfer to Texas. To be certified in coronal polishing with the SBDE a dental assistant must successfully complete ONE of the following three options and be able to provide documentation showing successful program completion when submitting their application to the Dental Board: OPTION 1 OR (1) Have at least two (2) total years of Dental Assisting work experience.
(2) Have completed at least eight (8) hours of clinical and didactic education in Coronal Polishing taken through a CODA-Accredited Dental Assisting Program* of the ADA and approved by the SBDE. (Applicant must provide proof of successful completion of the CODA-Accredited Coronal Polishing Program).
* = The CODA-Accredited Dental Assisting Program must include the following courses:
(a) Oral anatomy and tooth morphology related to retention of plaque and stain;
(b) Indications, Contraindications, and Complications of Coronal Polishing;
(c) Principles of Coronal Polishing, including armamentarium, operating & patient positioning, technique & polishing agents;
(d) Infection Control Procedures;
(e) Polishing coronal surfaces of teeth; and
(f) Jurisprudence relating to Coronal Polishing OPTION 2 OR (1) Hold a current certification through the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB). (Applicants must provide documentation showing successful completion from DANB). DANB Website: www.danb.org
(2) Hold a Certificate of Completion for the SBDE Jurisprudence Assessment for Coronal Polishing Certification dated within the past 12 months. (Applicants must provide proof of completion). Learn more and take the Jurisprudence Assessment here.
(3) Have at least two (2) total years of Dental Assisting work experience. OPTION 3 (1) Have graduated from a CODA-Accredited Dental Assisting Program of the ADA that included didactic course work and clinical training in Coronal Polishing. (Applicant must provide proof of successful program completion).
(2) Hold a Certificate of Completion for the SBDE Jurisprudence Assessment for Coronal Polishing Certificate dated within the past 12 months. (Applicant must provide proof of completion). Learn more and take the Jurisprudence Assessment here.
(3) Have at least two (2) total years of Dental Assisting work experience.
RULE §115.7 | Notification of Change of Information |
| Each dental hygienist licensed with the board shall notify the Board within sixty (60) days of any: (1) change of address of the licensee's place of business; (2) change of the licensee's employer; or (3) change in the licensee's mailing address. |
TEX HY-PACIn 1978, the TDHA voted to support the formation of Texas Dental Hygienists’ Political Action Committee (Tex Hy-Pac). Its purpose is to encourage dental hygienists and other interested persons to inform legislators of current dental hygiene issues. This voluntary, non-profit committee supports the goals of TDHA, but operates independently and autonomously. Tex Hy-Pac is not affiliated with any one political party but supports candidates who have demonstrated an interest in excellence in dental hygiene, and to persuade other candidates to hear our voice. This committee donates money to endorse candidates, provides information to hygienists on current legislative issues including those candidates whose views are consistent with a positive impact for dental hygiene. The synergy of dozens and hundreds of dental hygienists working together is what it takes for our collective voice to be heard.
Mail your donations to: TX HYPAC
7006 Lake Mead Blvd.
Arlington, TX 76016
To find out more about what bills are before our Legislature: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ | 
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