Any person licensed as a dental hygienist in this state may remove deposits and stains from the surfaces of the teeth, may apply topical preventive or prophylactic agents, may polish and smooth restorations, may perform root planing and soft-tissue curettage, and may perform other dental operations and services delegated to them by a licensed dentist or dental therapist. Any person licensed as a dental hygienist in this state may apply topical anesthetic agents under the general supervision, as defined in RCW 18.260.010, of a dentist or a dental therapist: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That licensed dental hygienists shall in no event perform the following dental operations or services:

1. (1) Any surgical removal of tissue of the oral cavity;
2. (2) Any prescription of drugs or medications requiring the written order or prescription of a licensed dentist or physician, except that a hygienist may place antimicrobials pursuant to the order of a licensed dentist and under the dentist's or dental therapist's required supervision;
3. (3) Any diagnosis for treatment or treatment planning; or

4. (4) The taking of any impression of the teeth or jaw, or the relationships of the teeth or jaws, for the purpose of fabricating any intra-oral restoration, appliance, or prosthesis, except that a dental hygienist may take an impression for any purpose that is either allowed:

   1. (a) For a dental assistant registered under chapter 18.260 RCW; or
   2. (b) As a delegated duty for dental hygienists pursuant to rules adopted by the dental quality assurance commission. Such licensed dental hygienists may perform dental operations and services only under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental therapist, and under such supervision may be employed by hospitals, boards of education of public or private schools, county boards, boards of health, or public or charitable institutions, or in dental offices.

[ 2023 c 460 s 20; 2015 c 120 s 1; 2013 c 87 s 1; 2003 c 257 s 1; 1997 c 37 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 235 s 1; 1969 c 47 s 4; 1923 c 16 s 27; RRS s 10030-27.]

Notes:

Effective date—2023 c 460 ss 1-22: See note following RCW 18.265.005.