Mobile Dental Clinics

(1) Mobile dental clinics shall be operated/owned only by a dentist licensed in Tennessee, an official agency of the state government or any subdivision thereof, any nonprofit organization, or any hospital. Dental hygienists and dental assistants shall not operate/own a mobile dental clinic. (2) All mobile dental clinics in Tennessee shall: (a) Maintain all dental records as provided in Rule 0460-02-.12. (b) Observe all patient rights as provided in Rule 0460-01-.16. (c) Obtain written, informed consent when treating a minor. (d) Comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances regulating radiographic equipment, flammability, construction, and zoning. GENERAL RULES CHAPTER 0460-01 (e) Obtain all applicable county and city licenses or permits to operate the facility. (f) Comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances regarding infection control and sanitation procedures, including: 1. Providing access to a ramp or lift if services are provided to disabled persons. 2. Having access to a properly functioning sterilization system. 3. Having access to an adequate supply of potable water, including hot water. 4. Having access to toilet facilities. 5. Having a covered galvanized, stainless steel, or other non-corrosive metal container for deposit of refuse and waste materials; and, 6. Compliance with Rule 0460-01-.11. (3) The mobile dental clinic must have: (a) A dental treatment chair; (b) A dental treatment light; (c) A radiographic unit with appropriate processing equipment; (d) A portable delivery system or an integrated system; (e) An evacuation unit suitable for dental surgical use; (f) Equipment to treat medical emergencies; and, (g) Appropriate and sufficient dental instruments and infection control supplies. (4) School-based prevention programs whose mobile dental clinics provide only dental screenings, oral health education, oral evaluations, topical fluoride, and sealant application are not required to have the equipment listed in subparagraphs (3)(c), (3)(e) and (3)(f) of this rule. (5) The driver of the mobile dental clinic must possess a valid operator’s license appropriate for the type vehicle being driven and not have any violations related to the operation of a motor vehicle in the last three (3) years, and not have any violations involving alcohol or illegal substances related to the operation of a motor vehicle in the last ten (10) years. (6) All dental hygienist and dental assistants assisting the dentist must be currently licensed and registered with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. (7) Dental hygienists may perform delegable procedures for patients of record of their employer dentist who reside in nursing homes pursuant to Rule 0460-03-.09(2). (8) When treating a nursing home patient, the dentist must comply with Rule 0460-01-.15. (9) Violations of this rule subject the licensee/registrant to disciplinary action, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-5-124. GENERAL RULES CHAPTER 0460-01