Restorative And Prosthetic Certifications

(1) Dental hygienists who have a minimum of two (2) years continuous full-time employment within the past three (3) years in a dental practice as a licensed dental hygienist are eligible for admission to Board-approved certification courses in restorative and/or prosthetic functions. A licensed dental hygienist must complete a Board-approved certification course in RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS CHAPTER 0460-03 restorative or prosthetic functions and obtain the appropriate certification, issued by the Board, before he/she can perform restorative or prosthetic functions on any patient. (2) Certification in restorative or prosthetic functions is only valid as long as the licensed dental hygienist has a current license to practice dental hygiene. If the license expires or is retired, the certification is also considered expired or retired and the dental hygienist may not perform restorative or prosthetic functions until the license is reinstated or reactivated. (3) Licensed dental hygienists who possess a certification in restorative or prosthetic functions shall prominently display their current renewal certificate at their place of employment. (4) Licensed dental hygienists with certification in restorative or prosthetic functions may perform restorations or prosthetic functions only under the direct supervision and full responsibility of a licensed dentist. (5) Prohibited Procedures - The following procedures are prohibited for all dental hygienists, including those who have certification in restorative or prosthetic functions: (a) Restorative Functions 1. Diagnosing need for restorations; 2. Preparation/Cutting of the tooth or soft tissue; 3. Modifying existing structure; 4. Removal of caries, bases or liners; and 5. Use of high-speed handpieces intraorally. (b) Prosthetic Functions 1. Diagnosing need for any prosthetic appliance; 2. Establishing vertical dimension of occlusion and interocclusal records; 3. Delivering and/or adjusting appliance; and 4. Use of high-speed handpieces intraorally. (6) Licensed dental hygienists, who have successfully completed a comparable hygienist training program in another state in restorative or prosthetic functions, are eligible to apply directly to the Board for a restorative or prosthetic functions certificate without additional training, provided the course is determined by the Board consultant to be equivalent to the Board- approved course in Tennessee. The information regarding content of the course and proof of completion must be sent directly from the course provider to the Board’s administrative office. If a certification or permit was issued by the other state, verification of the certificate or permit must be received directly from the other board. If it is determined that the course is not equivalent, the licensed dental hygienist will be required to comply with the provisions of paragraph (1) before certification can be issued.