Long Term Care Facilities

This bill authorizes a licensed dental hygienist to practice in long term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

   *dental hygienist & supervising  dentist must each hold an active license

   *have current CPR

   *have two years of active clinical practice in direct patient care.  

Prior to providing services, the facility must:

*have a written medical emergency plan & specified equipment for the delivery of dental hygienist services

*must have a written agreement with the supervising dentist that sets forth the terms and conditions under which the dental hygienist may practice, including a statement that the dental hygienist may provide dental services without the supervising dentist on the facility's premises.

*If the supervising dentist examines the patient and authorizes a prescription of specific treatment, services must be provided within seven months of the examination performed.

Expanded Functions Bill

Local Anesthesia

The “Dental Hygienists – Expanded Functions” bill passed legislation in 2009.  This legislative change allows hygienists to administer local anesthesia by infiltration.   The rules and regulations pertaining to it are as follows:

A board approved course must consist of 20 hours of didactic (classroom) learning and 8 hours of clinical lab = 28 hours total.

This course can only be taught by a Maryland college or University with a Dental Hygiene Program accredited by CODA with a 75% minimum passing grade. Students must also pass a computerized NERB exam with the same passing grade.  A $50 fee, submission of course and NERB passing, must be sent to the MSBDE for qualification. 

Note: Local anesthesia is 

     *only by infiltration

     *only for dental

       hygiene procedures

     *only when dentist

       is on premises.  

P.A.N.D.A.

The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (MSBODE) has made it mandatory for Dental Hygienists and Dentists to complete a Board approved two hours course in “Abuse and Neglect”.  Additionally, the course must relate to Maryland State Laws; and may be included in the required 30 hours of continuing education.  To-date “Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A.” is the only board approved course.  This new requirement pertains to licensure renewals starting 2011 and thereafter.   The aforementioned board approved course must be completed every other renewal cycle.