§ 17-82-103 — Employment of hygienists - Scope of duties

(a) Licensed dentists may employ licensed dental hygienists to act as assistants and to perform the acts, services, and practices described in § 17-82-102 consistently with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. (b) (1) No dental hygienist shall engage in any of the acts, services, or practices described in § 17-82-102 and the regulations of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners except as specifically provided in § 17-82-102 and those regulations. (2) All dental hygienist acts, services, and practices shall be performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist with the supervision being defined in regulations of the board. (c) (1) No dental hygienist shall administer any anesthetic other than the administration under the supervision of a licensed dentist of a local anesthetic using topical application or regional injection of a drug as delineated in regulations promulgated by the board. (2) A dental hygienist shall apply to the board for a certificate to administer local anesthetics. The board shall not issue a certificate until the applicant has met the requirements set forth by the board. (3) The board shall require proof of a current healthcare-provider-level basic life support certificate before issuing a certificate and a yearly renewal certificate to administer local anesthetics. (4) The board may establish fees for services relating to certification and certification renewal. (d) A dental hygienist who violates any provision of this section is subject to the penalties and liabilities of § 17-82-301(b) and (c) .

Legislative History

Acts 1955, No. 14, §§ 14-16, 18; 1969, No. 91, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 72-547 -- 72-549, 72-551; Acts 1995, No. 105, § 1; 2001, No. 439, § 2.