Iowa Admin. Code r. 650-10.4 - [Rescinded effective 4/9/2025] Unauthorized practice of a dental hygienist

A dental hygienist who renders hygiene services, except educational services, that have not been delegated by a licensed dentist or that are not performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist as provided by rule shall be deemed to be practicing illegally.

(1) The unauthorized practice of dental hygiene means allowing a person not licensed in dentistry or dental hygiene to perform dental hygiene services authorized in Iowa Code section 153.15 and rule 650-10.3 (153).

(2) The unauthorized practice of dental hygiene also means the performance of services by a dental hygienist that exceeds the scope of practice granted in Iowa Code section 153.15.

(3) Students enrolled in dental hygiene programs. Students enrolled in an accredited dental hygiene program are not considered to be engaged in the unlawful practice of dental hygiene provided that such practice is in connection with their regular course of instruction and meets the following:

a. The practice of clinical skills on peers enrolled in the same program must be under the direct supervision of a program instructor with an active Iowa dental hygiene license, Iowa faculty permit, or Iowa dental license;

b. The practice of clinical skills on members of the public must be under the general supervision of a dentist with an active Iowa dental license;

c. The practice of clinical skills involving the administration or monitoring of nitrous oxide or the administration of local anesthesia must be under the direct supervision of a dentist with an active Iowa dental license.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 147.10, 147.57 and 153.15.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 650-10.4

Amended by IAB June 22, 2016/Volume XXXVIII, Number 26, effective 7/27/2016 Amended by IAB December 6, 2017/Volume XL, Number 12, effective 1/10/2018 Amended by IAB August 29, 2018/Volume XLI, Number 5, effective 10/3/2018 Rescinded by IAB March 5, 2025/Volume XLVII, Number 18, effective 4/9/2025