Question #17 - Supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists

True or False:

A dentist may, under certain circumstances, permit a dental hygienist to see patients in the dental office when the dentist is not physically present.

True

False

For Your Information

N.J.S.A. 45:6-62 defines the practice of dental hygiene in New Jersey. Pursuant to this law, a Registered Dental Hygienist may practice in an office, appropriately equipped school, dental clinic or institution, subject to the supervision of a New Jersey licensed dentist.  A dental hygienist acting under supervision in a dental office or dental clinic may treat only patients who are existing patients of record that have been examined by a licensed dentist in the immediately preceding 365 days. A dental hygienist may practice dental hygiene under direct supervision or supervision only in a facility having readily available emergency equipment as may be designated by the board, by regulation.

Board regulations provide a detailed description of the modalities that may be provided by a dental hygienist working under general supervision (when the dentist is not present). N.J.A.C. 13:30-1A.4 contains this scope of practice, and also provides the following requirements for hygienists who are treating patients under the general supervision of a dentist. Specifically, a licensed dental hygienist may practice dental hygiene under general supervision provided that:

  1. The licensed dental hygienist treats only existing patients of record, except for school settings. An existing patient of record is defined as a dental patient examined by a licensed dentist of the dental office, dental clinic, or institution, within the immediately preceding 365-day period and who has a dental treatment plan that is prescribed by the dentist.
  2. In dental offices, the patient is notified that the dentist will not be present, and is given the option to reschedule to a time when the dentist will be present.
  3. After performing an assessment, a licensed dental hygienist who reasonably believes that a person has either dental caries or some other medical or dental condition requiring diagnosis, treatment, or medical referral by a dentist shall so inform the supervising dentist in writing, within seven days. If it appears that emergent care is indicated, the licensed dental hygienist shall immediately, but no later than 24 hours, notify the supervising dentist.
  4. The licensed dental hygienist holds a current certification in Basic or Advanced Cardiac Life Support by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or an equivalent organization approved by the Board.