(a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia by inferior alveolar nerve block to facilitate the practice of dental hygiene by a dental hygienist or the practice of dentistry by a dentist, but not as a medical specialty, provided the administration of the local anesthesia is under the supervision of a dentist who:
(1) Is physically present on the premises; and
(2) Prescribes the administration of local anesthesia by the dental hygienist.
(b) (1) Before a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia under subsection (a) of this section, the dental hygienist shall successfully complete the following:
(i) Any educational requirements established by the Board; and
(ii) A written and clinical examination as required by the Board.
(2) A dental hygienist shall obtain the education required under paragraph (1) of this subsection from an accredited dental hygiene program.
(3) A dental hygienist who successfully completed the education requirements and examination required under paragraph (1) of this subsection before October 1, 2011, shall take and successfully complete a refresher course and a clinical examination from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 2 - State Board of Dental Examiners
Section 4-201 - Board Established
Section 4-204 - Meetings; Compensation; Staff
Section 4-205 - Miscellaneous Powers and Duties; Exception Related to Certain Use of Nitrous Oxide
Section 4-206 - Rules and Regulations Expanding the Practice of Dental Hygiene
Section 4-206.1 - Administration of Local Anesthesia by Dental Hygienist
Section 4-206.2 - Dental Hygienist -- Monitoring of Patient Under Administration of Nitrous Oxide
Section 4-206.4 - Authority to Prescribe and Administer Medication
Section 4-207 - State Board of Dental Examiners Fund -- Establishment of Fees; Disposition of Funds