Duties of dental hygienists - Administration of local anesthesia - Authorization.

20-04-01-03. Duties of dental hygienists - Administration of local anesthesia - Authorization. 1. A licensed dental hygienist may apply for authorization to administer local anesthesia to a patient. 2. Requirements for local anesthesia authorization are as follows: a. A licensed dental hygienist shall submit evidence that the hygienist successfully completed a didactic and clinical course in local anesthesia within the last five years sponsored by a dental or dental hygiene program accredited by the commission on dental accreditation of the American dental association resulting in the dental hygienist becoming clinically competent in the administration of local anesthesia; or b. A licensed dental hygienist shall submit evidence that the hygienist has been authorized to administer local anesthesia in another jurisdiction and provide verification of clinical competency during the previous five years. Verification may consist of the following: (1) A letter from the accredited school with the school seal affixed. Photocopies will not be accepted. (2) A notarized copy of the certification of the local anesthesia course . (3) A notarized letter from a licensed dentist stating the licensed dental hygienist has competently administered local anesthesia. 3. Once issued a permit to administer local anesthesia: a. A dental hygienist may: 4 (1) Under general supervision administer local anesthetic to a patient who is eighteen years of age or older, and (2) Under indirect supervision administer local anesthetic to a patient who is under eighteen years of age. b. A dental hygienist may, if provided with a direct order from a dentist pertaining to a specific patient who is over the age of eighteen, administer local anesthetic to and carry out root planing and soft tissue curettage under general supervision. History: Effective July 1, 2004; amended effective April 1, 2021; July 1, 2022; October 1, 2024; April 1, 2026. General Authority: NDCC 43-20-10 Law Implemented: NDCC 43-20-03, 43-20-12