317-A:21-e Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist. –
I. A dental hygienist licensed under this chapter may obtain a certification to practice as a certified public health dental hygienist by submitting an application to the board in writing and completing additional educational and training requirements as required by the board. A certified public health dental hygienist practicing under this section may:
(a) Collect and assess medical and dental histories, including preliminary inspection of the oral cavity and surrounding structures, and periodontal probing and charting.
(b) Instruct in oral hygiene techniques.
(c) Prepare a treatment plan within the public health dental hygienist scope of practice.
(d) Perform complete oral prophylaxis as appropriate, including the removal of calciferous deposits and the removal of subgingival accretions and stains by scaling and root planing.
(e) Perform professional application of topical fluoride, including fluoride varnish.
(f) Place sealants, if qualified and when authorized by a dentist with an active license, provided that:
(1) Written informed consent shall be obtained from the patient's legal guardian; and
(2) The supervising dentist and the public health dental hygienist shall be responsible for the sealants being indicated and correctly placed.
(g) Place temporary restorations without excavation.
(h) Perform radiographic imaging limited to bite wings, and occlusal and periapical radiography, as needed.
(i) Provide nutritional counseling for the control of dental disease.
(j) Provide referrals.
(k) Perform any procedure that is within the scope of practice that has been authorized under public health supervision.
II. A certified public health dental hygienist, acting under the public health supervision of an actively licensed dentist, may practice in a school, hospital, or other institution, or for a homebound person without the dentist having to be present, provided the dentist has reviewed the records once in a 12-month period.
III. The dental hygienists committee established under RSA 317-A:2-a shall develop and propose to the board for its review and approval all application and certification requirements, education programs, and other regulations and requirements relating to certified public health dental hygienists.
IV. Public health dental hygienist certification under this section shall not preclude non-certified dental hygienists from practicing under public health supervision as allowed under the rules of the board of dental examiners.