Delaware law sets rules for dental hygienists’ care and supervision

Dental hygienists may provide the listed care, subject to the stated supervision, orders, and limits. The listed work includes local anesthesia, topical agents, fluoride, sealants, cleaning without a prior dentist exam, patient assessment, treatment planning, and supervision of dental assistants. Local anesthesia requires a dentist’s direct supervision and must follow Board rules. Topical agents and fluoride require a dentist’s standing order and general supervision. After sealants or cleaning without a prior dentist exam, the patient must see a dentist within 12 months. Assessment and treatment planning must stay within the authority the Board sets based on a hygienist’s education and experience. Hygienists may directly supervise dental assistants as Board rules allow. The Act takes effect immediately and is implemented when final Board regulations are published or one year after enactment, whichever comes first.

The law defines oral cleaning, hygiene assessment, and topical agents for this chapter. These definitions apply to dental hygiene under Title 24, Chapter 11. Topical agents are non-systemic products applied inside the mouth to prevent or manage oral disease, within a hygienist’s education and license as defined by the Board. The Act is implemented when final Board regulations are published or one year after enactment, whichever comes first.