(a) Effective and safe delivery of certain services to the public:

1. (1) Is dependent upon making judgments and utilizing skills that require synthesis and application of knowledge acquired in accredited dental hygiene education programs; and
2. (2) Cannot be delegated to any dental staff member other than a licensed, registered dental hygienist.

(b) The following functions may only be delegated to a licensed dental hygienist:

1. (1)

   1. (A) Oral examination.
   2. (B) Elements of these examinations include:

(i) Charting of carious lesions and other abnormalities;

1. (ii) Periodontal charting and assessment of periodontal conditions;

   1. (iii) Treatment planning for dental hygiene services; and

      1. (iv) Oral cancer screening.
   2. (C) The dental hygienist may dictate the examination findings to a dental assistant who may then record the data on the patient’s dental record;

2. (2)

   1. (A) Oral prophylaxis, scaling, root planning, and curettage.
   2. (B) If a laser instrument is used, the dental hygienist and their supervising dentist must submit to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners proof of successful completion of an approved educational course on the use of that type of laser prior to its usage for any patient treatment;
3. (3) Using air-driven, electric, sonic, ultrasonic, or otherwise powered scalers or polishers (except dental assistants possessing an expanded duties permit for polishing);
4. (4) Placing medicaments as prescribed by the supervising dentist into the sulcus or periodontal pockets, for periodontal diseases; and

5. (5)

   1. (A) Placing silver diamine fluoride (SDF) under general supervision.
   2. (B) If SDF is used, the dental hygienist and their supervising dentist must submit to the board proof of successful completion of an approved educational course on SDF prior to its usage for and patient treatment.