N.M. Admin. Code § 16.5.54.7

Current through Register Vol. 36, No. 1, January 14, 2025

Section 16.5.54.7 - DEFINITIONS

A. "Cavitation" means a break in the continuous, solid surface of the enamel of a tooth, created either by genetic formation or demineralization.

B. "Direct supervision" means the process under which an act is performed when a dentist licensed pursuant to the Dental Health Care Act:

(1) is physically present throughout the performance of the act;

(2) orders, controls and accepts full professional responsibility for the act performed; and

(3) evaluates and approves the procedure performed before the patient departs the care setting.

C. "General supervision" means the authorization by a dentist of the procedures to be used by a dental hygienist, dental assistant, expanded function dental auxiliary, community dental health coordinator or dental student and the execution of the procedures in accordance with a dentist's diagnosis and treatment plan at a time the dentist is not physically present and in facilities as designated by the rules of the board.

D. "Limited palliative procedure(s)" means procedures ordered by the dentist to help relieve pain or to improve an emergency situation that a patient is experiencing. These procedures must be within the scope of practice of the CDHC.

E. "Supervising dentist" means a dentist that maintains the records of a patient, is responsible for their care, has reviewed their current medical history and for purposes of authorization, has examined that patient within the previous 11 months or will examine that patient within 30 days of giving authorization.

F. "Teledentistry" means a dentist's use of health information technology in real time to provide limited diagnostic treatment planning services in cooperation with another dentist, a dental hygienist, a community health coordinator or a student enrolled in a program of study to become a dental assistant, dental hygienist or dentist.

G. "Tooth fracture" means the fracture or loss of tooth structure due to trauma or chewing. The defect has little or no caries present.

H. "Unexcavated carious lesion" means an open carious lesion in a tooth that is cleaned of loose debris by rinsing or use of cotton pellets. Caries attached to the tooth will not be removed.

N.M. Admin. Code § 16.5.54.7

16.5.54.7 NMAC - N, 01/09/12