For purposes of this chapter:

1. (1) "Direct supervision" means that a dentist is in the dental office, personally diagnoses the condition to be treated, personally authorizes the procedure, and before the dismissal of the patient, evaluates the performance of the auxiliary. This requirement does not mandate that a dentist be present at all times, but he or she must be on the premises actually involved in supervision and control.
2. (2) "General supervision" means that a licensed dentist or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's public health dentist has authorized the procedures to be performed but does not require that a dentist be present when the procedures are performed.
3. (3) "Oral prophylaxis" means the removal of any and all hard and soft deposits, accretions, toxins, and stain from any natural or restored surfaces of teeth or prosthetic devices by scaling and polishing as a preventive measure for the control of local irritational factors.

HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 363, Section 2; 2000 Act No. 298, Section 2; 2003 Act No. 45, Section 2.