Scope Of Practice

A dental hygienist may perform dental hygiene services as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 61-5A-4 B thru F NMSA 1978 of the act with the supervision defined. In addition, a licensed hygienist may: A. prescribe, administer or dispense therapeutic agents as per the formulary as defined in Subsection C of 16.5.29.11 NMAC; B. function as an expanded function dental auxiliary after passing the certifying exam and completing the apprenticeship accepted by the board; C. function as a community dental health coordinator after completing a program certified by the board; D. except in cases where a tooth exhibits cavitation of the enamel surface, assessing without a dentist's evaluation whether the application of pit and fissure sealants is indicated; E. except in cases where a tooth exhibits cavitation of the enamel surface, applying pit and fissure sealants without mechanical alteration of the tooth; F. administration of local anesthesia as defined in 16.5.28 NMAC; and G. such other closely related services as permitted by the rules of the committee and the board. H. Effective July 1, 2015,a dental hygienist who owns a dental practice must register as a non-dentist owner. No additional license or fee is required for this registration. A dental hygienist who owns a dental practice must notify the board, in writing, if the dental practice has been sold or has closed. 16.5.29 NMAC 2