Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 2 - State Board of Dental Examiners
Section 4-206.4 - Authority to Prescribe and Administer Medication

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a dental hygienist who complies with subsections (e) and (f) of this section may prescribe:
            (i)    Topical and systemic types of prescription or over–the–counter fluoride preparations;
            (ii)    Topical antimicrobial oral rinses; and
            (iii)    Ibuprofen not exceeding 600 mg every 6 hours for up to 3 days after nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
        (2)    A dental hygienist may not prescribe a drug:
            (i)    That is classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812; or
            (ii)    The prescription of which requires a federal Drug Enforcement Agency registration.
    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a dental hygienist who complies with subsections (e) and (f) of this section may administer medication, including:
        (1)    A medication listed under subsection (a)(1) of this section;
        (2)    Premedication antibiotics by mouth as required for dental treatment;
        (3)    Subgingival antibiotics and antimicrobials; and
        (4)    Nonopioid pain medication.
    (c)    A dental hygienist may not administer a medication:
        (1)    That is classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812;
        (2)    The prescription of which requires a federal Drug Enforcement Agency registration; or
        (3)    Except for local anesthesia administered in accordance with § 4–206.1 or § 4–206.3 of this subtitle, that is administered by intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, or intradermal injection.
    (d)    A dental hygienist may administer a medication under subsection (b) of this section:
        (1)    Under a standing order in the patient’s record that is authorized by a supervising dentist; and
        (2)    If the dental hygienist includes the following information in writing in the patient’s record:
            (i)    The name of the medication;
            (ii)    The date and time the medication was administered;
            (iii)    The route by which the medication was administered; and
            (iv)    The dosage of the medication that was administered.
    (e)    A dental hygienist prescribing or administering medication as authorized under this section shall prescribe or administer medication:
        (1)    Under the general supervision of a licensed dentist;
        (2)    In compliance with applicable regulations adopted by the Board; and
        (3)    In compliance with applicable provisions of Title 12 of this article and Title 21 of the Health – General Article regarding prescription packaging, labeling, and record keeping.
    (f)    Before prescribing or administering medication as authorized under this section, a dental hygienist shall complete any educational requirements established by the Board under § 4–205(a)(1)(xi) of this subtitle through an accredited dental hygiene program.