Section 36-6A-31 - Authorization required to practice dentistry--Exclusive responsibility of dentists. - South Dakota Statutes

36-6A-31. Authorization required to practice dentistry--Exclusive responsibility of dentists. Only a dentist licensed or otherwise permitted to practice under this chapter may carry on the profession of dentistry in this state. Dentists have the exclusive responsibility for:
(1) The diagnosis of conditions within the human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures;
(2) The treatment plan of a dental patient;
(3) The prescribing of drugs which are administered to patients in the practice of dentistry;
(4) The overall quality of patient care which is rendered or performed in the practice of dentistry, regardless of whether the care is rendered personally by a dentist or dental auxiliary;
(5) The supervision of dental auxiliaries and authorization of procedures to be performed by dental auxiliaries;
(6) The review, reading, and evaluation of dental radiographs;
(7) The delegation of procedures to a dental hygienist under general supervision. The dentist shall have completed the last evaluation of the patient within thirteen months of the delegation of procedures. The written treatment plan contained within the patient's record shall accompany any delegation of treatment procedures; and
(8) Any other specific services within the scope of dental practice.

Source: SL 1981, ch 275, § 11; SL 1992, ch 269, § 23; SL 2005, ch 200, § 2.