A dental hygienist may perform dental hygiene services as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 61-5A-4 B thru F NMSA 1978 of the act with the supervision defined. In addition, a licensed hygienist may:
- A. prescribe, administer or dispense therapeutic agents as per the formulary as defined in Subsection C of 16.5.29.11 NMAC;
- B. function as an expanded function dental auxiliary after passing the certifying exam and completing the apprenticeship accepted by the board;
- C. function as a community dental health coordinator after completing a program certified by the board;
- D. except in cases where a tooth exhibits cavitation of the enamel surface, assessing without a dentist's evaluation whether the application of pit and fissure sealants is indicated;
- E. except in cases where a tooth exhibits cavitation of the enamel surface, applying pit and fissure sealants without mechanical alteration of the tooth;
- F. administration of local anesthesia as defined in 16.5.28 NMAC; and
- G. such other closely related services as permitted by the rules of the committee and the board.
H. Effective July 1, 2015,a dental hygienist who owns a dental practice must register as a non-dentist owner. No additional license or fee is required for this registration. A dental hygienist who owns a dental practice must notify the board, in writing, if the dental practice has been sold or has closed.
[10-21-70, 5-31-95; 16.5.29.8 NMAC - Rn, 16 NMAC 5.29.8, 04-17-06; A, 01-09-12; A, 12-15-12; A, 01-04-14; A, 01-15-15; A, 04-16-15; A, 12-16-15]