OAR 818-035-0020: Authorization to Practice

(1) A supervising dentist, without first examining a new patient, may authorize a dental hygienist: (a) To take a health history from a patient; (b) To take dental radiographs; (c) To perform periodontal assessment and record findings; (d) To gather data regarding the patient; and (e) To diagnose, treatment plan and provide dental hygiene services. (2) When dental hygiene services are provided pursuant to subsection (1), the supervising dentist need not be on the premises when the services are provided. (3) When dental hygiene services are provided pursuant to subsection (1), the patient must be scheduled to be examined by the supervising dentist within fifteen business days following the day the dental hygiene services are provided. (4) If a new patient has not been examined by the supervising dentist subsequent to receiving dental hygiene services pursuant to subsection (1), no further dental hygiene services may be provided until an examination is done by the supervising dentist. (5) A dental hygienist may practice dental hygiene in the places specified by ORS 680.150 under general supervision upon authorization of a supervising dentist. When dental hygiene services are provided pursuant to this subsection, subsections (2), (3) and (4) also apply. (6) A dentist who authorizes a dental hygienist to practice dental hygiene on a limited access patient must review the dental hygienist's findings.