Tex. Occ. Code Section 262.151
Delegation of Duties by Dentist

(a)

A licensed dentist may delegate orally or in writing a service, task, or procedure to a dental hygienist who is under the supervision and responsibility of the dentist, if:

(1)

the dental hygienist is licensed to perform the service, task, or procedure;

(2)

the supervising dentist examines the patient:

(A)

at the time the service, task, or procedure is performed by the dental hygienist; or

(B)

during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of performance of the service, task, or procedure by the dental hygienist; and

(3)

the dental hygienist does not:

(A)

diagnose a dental disease or ailment;

(B)

prescribe a treatment or a regimen;

(C)

prescribe, order, or dispense medication; or

(D)

perform any procedure that is irreversible or involves the intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue by any means.

(b)

A licensed dentist may delegate to a dental hygienist any act that a dentist may delegate to a dental assistant.

(c)

A dentist is not required to be on the premises when the dental hygienist performs a delegated act.

(d)

This chapter does not prevent a dentist from authorizing a dental hygienist employed by the dentist to:

(1)

instruct and educate a patient in proper oral hygiene; or

(2)

provide to a patient a medication ordered by the dentist.

(e)

This chapter does not prevent a dental hygienist from incidentally removing cementum during root planing.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Source: Section 262.151 — Delegation of Duties by Dentist, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.­262.­htm#262.­151 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

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Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

§ 262.151’s source at texas​.gov