Oregon Practice Act Changes July 1, 2013
(see below)
Thank you ODHA Government Relations Council for your efforts and thank you members for your support!
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The following changes are of particular interest to dental hygienists. These changes are a result of collaboration between Oregon Dental Hygienists Association, Oregon Dental Association and the Oregon Board of Dentistry.
Changes like these can only happen when dental hygienists speak with one voice. Please join us today!
OAR 818-035-0020 has been amended, in part, by removing the following language: “A supervising dentist may not authorize a dental hygienist and a dental hygienist may not perform periodontal procedures unless the supervising dentist has examined the patient and diagnosed the condition to be treated.” This change means that a dental hygienist can perform scaling & root planing without first having the patient examined by a dentist.
OAR 818-035-0066 has been amended by adding additional populations that can be treated by a dental hygienist with an expanded practice permit to include “specific population groups designated by the Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSA) that lack access to care and are underserved.”
OAR 818-035-0072 has been amended by deleting the word “anterior” from rule. This change will allow a dental hygienist who holds a Restorative Functions Endorsement (RFE) to place both anterior and posterior composite restorations.
OAR 818-042-0090 has been amended by adding “or dental hygienist” after the word “dentist” in three areas. This change will allow dental hygienists (along with dentists) to authorize EFDAs to apply pit and fissure sealants and to apply temporary soft relines to complete dentures for the purpose of tissue conditioning, to provide indirect supervision when these procedures are performed, and to check these procedures when they are completed prior to dismissing the patient.
OAR 818-042-0095 has been amended by deleting the word “anterior” from the rule. This change will allow a dental assistant who holds a Restorative Functions Certificate (RFC) to place both anterior and posterior composite restorations.
Please share this information with your professional colleagues.
Please note that these changes are scheduled to go into effect until July 1st.