(1) In addition to functions set forth in ORS 679.010, a dental hygienist may perform the following functions under the general supervision of a licensed dentist:
- (a) Make preliminary intra-oral and extra-oral examinations and record findings;
- (b) Place periodontal dressings;
- (c) Remove periodontal dressings or direct a dental assistant to remove periodontal dressings;
- (d) Perform all functions delegable to dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants providing that the dental hygienist is appropriately trained;
- (e) Administer and dispense antimicrobial solutions or other antimicrobial agents in the performance of dental hygiene functions.
- (f) Prescribe, administer and dispense fluoride, fluoride varnish, antimicrobial solutions for mouth rinsing or other non-systemic antimicrobial agents.
- (g) Use high-speed handpieces to polish restorations and to remove cement and adhesive material.
- (h) Apply temporary soft relines after manufacturer required denture preparation to complete dentures for the purpose of tissue conditioning.
- (i) Perform all aspects of teeth whitening procedures.
(2) A dental hygienist may perform the following functions at the locations and for the persons described in ORS 680.205(1) and (2) without the supervision of a dentist:
- (a) Determine the need for and appropriateness of sealants or fluoride; and
- (b) Apply sealants or fluoride.
(3) In addition to functions set forth in ORS 679.010, a dental hygienist may perform the following functions under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist:
- (a) Upon successful completion of a course in intravenous access or phlebotomy approved by the Board, a dental hygienist may initiate an intravenous (IV) infusion line for a patient being prepared for IV medications, sedation, or general anesthesia under the indirect supervision of a dentist holding the appropriate anesthesia permit.
- (b) Upon successful completion of a course in intravenous access or phlebotomy approved by the Board, a dental hygienist may perform a phlebotomy blood draw under the indirect supervision of a dentist. Products obtained through a phlebotomy blood draw may only be used by the dentist, to treat a condition that is within the scope of the practice of dentistry.
- (4) Perform extraoral adjustment of fixed and removable prosthesis or appliances.
Statutory/Other Authority
ORS 679 & 680
Statutes/Other Implemented
ORS 679.025(2)(j)
History
OBD 2-2025, amend filed 10/27/2025, effective 12/01/2025
OBD 1-2024, amend filed 03/08/2024, effective 05/01/2024
OBD 3-2015, f. 9-8-15, cert. ef. 10-1-15
OBD 1-2015(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-17-15 thru 10-13-15
OBD 1-2014, f. 7-2-14, cert. ef. 8-1-14
OBD 2-2009, f. 10-21-09, cert. ef. 11-1-09
OBD 1-2008, f. 11-10-08, cert. ef. 12-1-08
OBD 3-2007, f. & cert. ef. 11-30-07
OBD 2-2005, f. 1-31-05, cert. ef. 2-1-05
OBD 1-2004, f. 5-27-04, cert. ef. 6-1-04
OBD 15-2001, f. 12-7-01, cert. ef. 1-1-02
OBD 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 1-8-01
OBD 7-1999, f. 6-25-99, cert. ef. 7-1-99
DE 2-1992, f. & cert. ef. 6-24-92
DE 3-1986, f. & ef. 3-31-86
DE 5-1984, f. & ef. 5-17-84