Md. Code Regs. 10.44.33.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.44.33.04 - Temporary Volunteer Dental Hygienist's License

A. License Required. A dental hygienist who holds a general license to practice dental hygiene in another state may practice dental hygiene at a temporary dental clinic or for a government entity only after receiving a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license to practice dental hygiene as provided in this chapter.

B. Qualifications for Out-of-State Dental Hygienists.

(1) The Board shall issue a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license to a dental hygienist who satisfies the requirements of this chapter.

(2) To qualify for a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license, an applicant shall:

(a) Comply with the following:

(i) Submit a completed Board-approved application with the Board at least 60 days before the date the temporary dental clinic is scheduled to open;

(ii) Hold an active general license to practice clinical dental hygiene in another state that is not subject to clinical restrictions; and

(iii) Have passed the North East Regional Board Clinical Examination or submit to the Board a notarized affidavit or other evidence satisfactory to the Board that for the 3 years preceding application the applicant has actively engaged in the practice of dental hygiene for at least 150 hours on average per year;

(b) Provide a notarized affidavit to the Board:

(i) Agreeing to donate dental hygiene services without compensation for a temporary dental clinic operated by a bona fide charitable organization or government entity; and

(ii) Indicating that the applicant does not practice dental hygiene for profit in the State;

(c) Provide documentation to the Board that evidences that the dental hygienist is covered by malpractice insurance; and

(d) Provide current verification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification.

(3) The Board may require a dental hygienist seeking a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license to:

(a) Pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination; or

(b) Fulfill any other requirements relating to knowledge of the laws and regulations concerning the practice of dental hygiene in the State.

(4) An applicant for a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license may not be required to pay an application fee.

(5) The Board may deny a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license on the grounds provided under Health Occupations Article, §4-315, Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. Practice Locations. A temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license authorizes the licensee to practice dental hygiene only in a temporary dental clinic providing medical care to the poor, elderly, or disabled that is operated by:

(1) A bona fide charitable organization;

(2) The State or a local government; or

(3) A local health department.

D. Practice Restrictions.

(1) A dental hygienist who holds a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license may not:

(a) Administer, monitor, or maintain general anesthesia or sedation;

(b) Administer local anesthesia by infiltration;

(c) Administer block anesthesia; or

(d) Administer, monitor, or maintain nitrous oxide oxygen.

(2) A dental hygienist who holds a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license may only provide services authorized under the:

(a) Maryland Dentistry Act; and

(b) Regulations adopted by the Board.

E. Dental Hygienists Licensed in Maryland. A dental hygienist who holds an active general license to practice dental hygiene in Maryland may:

(1) Practice at a temporary dental clinic without obtaining a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license; and

(2) Only provide services authorized under the:

(a) Maryland Dentistry Act; and

(b) Regulations adopted by the Board.

F. General Supervision.

(1) A temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license authorizes the dental hygienist to practice dental hygiene at a temporary dental clinic under the general supervision of a dentist who:

(a) Is on the premises;

(b) Examines the patient at any time during the treatment; and

(c) Is available for personal consultation while the services are being performed.

(2) A dental hygienist may:

(a) Perform an assessment of dental needs; and

(b) Provide dental hygiene services before an examination by a supervising dentist.

(3) This section may not be construed to:

(a) Require a preliminary dental examination or treatment by a dental hygienist; or

(b) Prohibit a supervising dentist from either examining a patient or providing treatment to a patient before treatment by a dental hygienist.

G. Expiration and Renewal.

(1) A temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license issued under this chapter shall be issued for the duration of the temporary dental clinic only and may not be renewed.

(2) The Board may issue a temporary volunteer dental hygienist license to a dental hygienist who previously held a temporary volunteer dental hygienist license if the dental hygienist:

(a) Applies for a new license; and

(b) Satisfies the requirements of this chapter.

H. Continuing Education. The Board may not require continuing education as a condition for the issuance of a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license.

I. Display of License. The holder of a temporary volunteer dental hygienist's license shall maintain the holder's wallet license on the premises of the temporary dental clinic while practicing dental hygiene at the temporary dental clinic.

Md. Code Regs. 10.44.33.04