Definitions

PURPOSE: This rule provides definitions for specific terms used throughout the rules. (1) “Dentist”—one who is currently licensed to practice as a dentist in Missouri. (2) “Hygienist”—one who is currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in Missouri. (3) “Direct supervision”—a level of supervision in which the dentist has authorized the procedure for a patient of record, remains in the treatment facility while the procedure is performed and evaluates the procedure prior to patient dismissal. (4) “Indirect supervision”—a level of supervision in which the dentist has authorized the procedure for a patient of record and remains in the treatment facility while the procedure is performed. (5) “General supervision”—a level of supervision in which the dentist has authorized the procedure for a patient of record and which does not require the physical presence of the dentist in the treatment facility during the performance of the procedure. The patient must be informed that the dentist is not in the treatment facility. The authorization may be verbal or written in the patient’s record and is valid from the date of the most recent examination for a maximum of twelve (12) months. If the dentist gives verbal authorization for dental hygiene care, that authorization shall be documented in the patient’s record following the delivery of that care. The authorization is not renewable without an examination of the patient by the dentist. (6) “Patient of record”—one for whom the dentist has obtained a relevant history, performed an examination, and evaluated the condition to be treated. A supervising dentist may delegate to a licensed dental hygienist the collection of relevant and necessary systemic and oral health data prior to the supervising dentist’s examination and evaluation. The patient shall be made aware, prior to the collection of any data, that the supervising dentist may not be physically present when that data is collected. AUTHORITY: sections 332.031, 332.091, and 332.311, RSMo 2016.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 110-2.001. Original rule filed Jan. 28, 2000, effective Aug. 30, 2000. Moved to 20 CSR 2110-2.001, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed June 26, 2017, effective Dec. 30, 2017. Amended: Filed Jan. 10, 2019, effective July 30, 2019. *Original authority: 332.031, RSMo 1969, amended 1981, 1993, 1995; 332.091, RSMo 1969, amended 1995; and 332.311, RSMo 1969, amended 1997, 2001, 2006.