RSA 317-A:21-c · Practice of Dental Hygiene

317-A:21-c Practice of Dental Hygiene. –

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I.

A person shall be regarded as practicing dental hygiene within the meaning of this chapter, who performs any of the actions listed in RSA 317-A:21-c, II, or who uses the title "registered dental hygienist", the abbreviation "R.D.H.", or any other words or symbols that indicate that the person is a licensed dental hygienist.

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II.

Dental hygiene services shall include:

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(a)

The assessment of medical and dental histories, including preliminary inspection of the oral cavity, surrounding structures, and periodontal charting.

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(b)

The assessment of the patient to collect and evaluate complete data to identify dental hygiene care needs.

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(c)

The performance of the complete prophylaxis including the removal of calciferous deposits, excess cements, excess bond materials from orthodontic appliances, accretions, and stains from the supragingival and subgingival surfaces of the teeth by scaling, root planning, and polishing.

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(d)

The performance of procedures requiring additional education and any other procedures authorized by the board through rules adopted under RSA 541-A.

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(e)

The administration of local anesthesia, provided the dental hygienist is qualified by the board after training and after passing an examination approved by the board.

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(f)

The administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen minimal sedation (anxiolysis); provided the dental hygienist is qualified by the board after training and after passing an examination approved by the board.

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(g)

The administration, prescription and dispensing of a fluoride supplement, topically applied fluoride and chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse.

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III.

Dental hygiene services shall be provided under the supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

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IV.

The practice of dental hygiene conducted under the authority of a health care charitable trust as provided in RSA 317-A:20, III(c) shall be performed by dentists or by dental hygienists licensed under this chapter and who practice under the supervision of a dentist licensed under this chapter. The health care charitable trust shall notify the office of professional licensure and certification in writing of the name and location of the dental clinic and the name of the supervising dentist, and shall notify the office within 10 days of any change of the supervising dentist. Source. 1994, 240:3. 1997, 204:9. 2002, 91:1. 2004, 163:2. 2006, 238:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2018, 316:13, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2024, 327:58, eff. July 1, 2024. 2025, 269:1, eff. Sept. 30, 2025.

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