C.R.S. Section 12-220-501
Tasks authorized to be performed by dental therapists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants

  • rules

(1)(a)(I) Except as provided in subsection (1)(a)(II) of this section, the responsibility for dental diagnosis, dental treatment planning, or the prescription of therapeutic measures in the practice of dentistry remains with a licensed dentist and may not be assigned to any dental therapist or dental hygienist.

(II)

A dental hygienist may:

(A)

Perform dental hygiene assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, and dental hygiene treatment planning for dental hygiene services pursuant to section 12-220-503 (1)(f);

(B)

Identify dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a dentist as described in section 12-220-503 (1)(f); and

(C)

In collaboration with a licensed dentist, prescribe, administer, and dispense, as described in section 12-220-503 (1)(g): Fluoride, fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, antimicrobial solutions for mouth rinsing, other nonsystemic antimicrobial agents, and resorbable antimicrobial agents pursuant to rules of the board.

(D)

Repealed.

(b)

A dental procedure that involves surgery or that will contribute to or result in an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy shall not be assigned to anyone other than a licensed dentist.

(2)

Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, a dental hygienist may perform any dental task or procedure assigned to the hygienist by a licensed dentist that does not require the professional skill of a licensed dentist; except that the dental hygienist may perform the task or procedure only under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist or as authorized in sections 12-220-503 and 12-220-504.

(2.5)

A dental therapist may perform a dental task or procedure assigned to the dental therapist by a licensed dentist that does not require the professional skill of a licensed dentist; except that the dental therapist may perform the task or procedure only under the supervision authorized under section 12-220-508.

(3)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

A dental assistant shall not perform the following tasks:

(I)

Diagnosis;

(II)

Treatment planning;

(III)

Prescription of therapeutic measures;

(IV)

Any procedure that contributes to or results in an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy;

(V)

Administration of local anesthesia;

(VI)

Scaling (supra and sub-gingival), as it pertains to the practice of dental hygiene;

(VII)

Root planing;

(VIII)

Soft tissue curettage;

(IX)

Periodontal probing.

(b)

A dental assistant may perform the following tasks under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist:

(I)

Smoothing and polishing natural and restored tooth surfaces;

(II)

Provision of preventive measures, including the application of fluorides and other recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease;

(III)

Gathering and assembling information including, but not limited to, fact-finding and patient history, oral inspection, and dental and periodontal charting;

(IV)

Administering topical anesthetic to a patient in the course of providing dental care;

(V)

Repairing and relining dentures pursuant to a dental laboratory work order signed by a licensed dentist; or

(VI)

Any other task or procedure that does not require the professional skill of a licensed dentist.

(c)

A dental assistant may, under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with rules promulgated by the board, administer and monitor the use of nitrous oxide on a patient.

(d)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(I)

A dental assistant may perform intraoral and extraoral tasks and procedures necessary for the fabrication of a complete or partial denture under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. These tasks and procedures shall include:

(A)

Making of preliminary and final impressions;

(B)

Jaw relation records and determination of vertical dimensions;

(C)

Tooth selection;

(D)

A preliminary try-in of the wax-up trial denture prior to and subject to a try-in and approval in writing of the wax-up trial denture by the licensed dentist;

(E)

Denture adjustments that involve the periphery, occlusal, or tissue-bearing surfaces of the denture prior to the final examination of the denture.

(II)

If a dental assistant is performing the tasks and procedures specified in subsection (3)(d)(I) of this section, the dental assistant shall perform the tasks and procedures in the regularly announced office location of a licensed practicing dentist, and the dentist is personally liable for all treatment rendered to the patient. A dental assistant performing these tasks and procedures shall be properly identified as a dental assistant. A dentist shall not utilize more dental assistants than the number of dental assistants the dentist can reasonably supervise.

(III)

Prior to any work being performed pursuant to subsection (3)(d)(I) of this section, the treating dentist licensed to practice in this state shall first examine the patient and certify that the patient has no pathologic condition that requires surgical correction or other treatment prior to complete denture service.

(4)

The board may adopt reasonable rules as necessary to implement and enforce this section.

Source: Section 12-220-501 — Tasks authorized to be performed by dental therapists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants - rules, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-12.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

12‑220‑101
Short title
12‑220‑102
Legislative declaration
12‑220‑103
Applicability of common provisions
12‑220‑104
Definitions - rules
12‑220‑105
Colorado dental board - qualifications of board members - quorum - panel - rules - review of functions - repeal of article - repeal
12‑220‑106
Powers and duties of board - rules - limitation on authority
12‑220‑107
Indebtedness - appropriations - publications
12‑220‑108
Attorney general shall represent board and members
12‑220‑201
Grounds for disciplinary action - definition
12‑220‑202
Disciplinary actions - rules
12‑220‑203
Disciplinary proceedings
12‑220‑204
Board panels
12‑220‑205
Cease-and-desist orders
12‑220‑206
Mental and physical examinations
12‑220‑207
Confidential agreement to limit practice
12‑220‑208
Review of board action
12‑220‑209
Professional review committees - immunity
12‑220‑210
Use or sale of forged or invalid diploma, license, license renewal certificate, or identification
12‑220‑211
Unauthorized practice - penalties
12‑220‑212
Soliciting or advertisements by unlicensed persons
12‑220‑301
Persons entitled to practice dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene
12‑220‑302
Persons exempt from operation of this article
12‑220‑303
Ownership of dental or dental hygiene practice - information to be posted - heir to serve as temporary proprietor - limitations - definitions
12‑220‑304
Names and status under which dental practice may be conducted
12‑220‑305
What constitutes practicing dentistry - authority to electronically prescribe
12‑220‑306
Dentists may prescribe drugs - surgical operations - anesthesia - limits on prescriptions
12‑220‑307
Professional liability insurance required - rules
12‑220‑308
Continuing education requirements - rules
12‑220‑309
Independent advertising or marketing agent - injunctive proceedings
12‑220‑310
Dentist peer health assistance program - fees - rules
12‑220‑401
Application for dentist license - fee
12‑220‑402
Dentist academic license
12‑220‑403
Examination - how conducted - dentist license issued to successful applicants
12‑220‑404
Dentist - licensure by endorsement
12‑220‑405
Application for dental hygienist license - fee
12‑220‑406
Dental hygienist examinations - license
12‑220‑407
Dental hygienist - licensure by endorsement
12‑220‑407.2
Application for dental therapist license - fee - rules
12‑220‑407.5
Dental therapist examinations - license
12‑220‑408
Renewal of dental and dental hygienist licenses - fees - questionnaire
12‑220‑409
Inactive dental, dental therapist, or dental hygienist license
12‑220‑410
Retired dental, dental therapist, and dental hygienist licenses
12‑220‑411
Anesthesia and sedation permits - dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists - training and experience requirements - office inspections - rules
12‑220‑412
Change of address - duplicate licenses and certificates
12‑220‑501
Tasks authorized to be performed by dental therapists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants - rules
12‑220‑502
Construction of dental devices by unlicensed technician
12‑220‑503
What constitutes practicing unsupervised dental hygiene - rules
12‑220‑504
What constitutes practicing supervised dental hygiene
12‑220‑505
Interim therapeutic restorations by dental hygienists - permitting process - rules - subject to review
12‑220‑507
Dental hygienist peer health assistance program - fees - rules
12‑220‑508
Practice of dental therapy supervision requirement - rules
12‑220‑601
Legislative declaration
12‑220‑602
Minimum standards - rules - definition
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 12-220-501’s source at colorado​.gov