1. (a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia by inferior alveolar nerve block to facilitate the practice of dental hygiene by a dental hygienist or the practice of dentistry by a dentist, but not as a medical specialty, provided the administration of the local anesthesia is under the supervision of a dentist who:

   1. (1) Is physically present on the premises; and
   2. (2) Prescribes the administration of local anesthesia by the dental hygienist.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Before a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia under subsection (a) of this section, the dental hygienist shall successfully complete the following:

      1. (i) Any educational requirements established by the Board; and
      2. (ii) A written and clinical examination as required by the Board.
   2. (2) A dental hygienist shall obtain the education required under paragraph (1) of this subsection from an accredited dental hygiene program.
   3. (3) A dental hygienist who successfully completed the education requirements and examination required under paragraph (1) of this subsection before October 1, 2011, shall take and successfully complete a refresher course and a clinical examination from an accredited dental hygiene program.

Added by Acts 2012, c. 219, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012; Acts 2012, c. 220, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012. Amended by Acts 2016, c. 111, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.