§ 17-82-103 - Employment of hygienists -- Scope of duties. - Arkansas Statutes

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 that section 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 health-care-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).