21 NCAC 16W .0102        TRAINING FOR PUBLIC HEALTH HYGIENISTS

(a)  Prior to performing clinical procedures pursuant to G.S. 90-233(a) under the direction of a licensed dentist, a public health hygienist shall have:

(1)           five years of experience in clinical dental hygiene;

(2)           unexpired CPR certification, taken in a live hands-on course;

(3)           six hours of continuing education in medical emergencies each year in addition to the minimum continuing education required for license renewal; and

(4)           other training as may be required by the Oral Health Section of the Department of Health and Human Services.

(b)  For purposes of this Rule, a minimum of 4,000 hours, the majority of which must be spent performing prophylaxis or periodontal debridement under the supervision of a licensed dentist, shall be equivalent to five years experience in clinical dental hygiene.

(c)  Notwithstanding Subparagraph (a)(1) and Paragraph (b) of this Rule, a public health hygienist may place sealants under the direction of a licensed dentist if the hygienist has a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical experience assisting in the placement of sealants with the Oral Health Section of the Department of Health and Human Services.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-223; 90-233(a);

Temporary Adoption Eff. October 1, 1999;

Eff. April 1, 2001;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2015;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2019.