Dental Hygiene

Becky Wisell
Administrator

Medical & Specialized Health

A licensed dental hygienist shall perform the traditional dental hygiene functions set forth in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-193.17 only when authorized to do so by a licensed dentist who shall be responsible for the total oral health care of the patient. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health in the conduct of public health-related services may authorize a licensed dental hygienist to conduct preliminary charting and screening examinations, provide oral health education for patients including the teaching of appropriate plaque control techniques, and perform or provide all of the duties that any dental assistant is authorized to perform.

1. General supervision means the directing of the authorized activities of a dental hygienist or dental assistant by a licensed dentist and shall not be construed to require the physical presence of the supervisor when directing such activities and
2. Indirect supervision means supervision when the licensed dentist authorizes the procedure to be performed by a dental hygienist or dental assistant and the licensed dentist is physically present on the premises when such procedure is being performed by the dental hygienist pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-193.18 or the dental assistant.

When properly authorized, a licensed dental hygienist, under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, may perform the following intra and extra oral procedures:

1. Scaling of teeth, including subgingival regions and root planing with hand and ultrasonic instruments;
2. Polish all exposed tooth surfaces with motor-driven and hand instruments in the oral prophylaxis procedure, including polishing amalgam restorations;
3. Conduct preliminary charting and screening examinations;
4. Periodontal probing and charting;
5. Gingival curettage;
6. Place and remove periodontal dressings;
7. Remove sutures;
8. Provide preventive measures, such as the application of fluorides, sealants, and other recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease;
9. Provide impressions for study casts;
10. Apply topical desensitizing agents;
11. Provide radiographic exposures;
12. Provide oral health education for patients including the teaching of appropriate plaque control techniques; and
13. Perform or provide all of the duties that any dental assistant is authorized to perform.

When prpoerly authorized, a licensed dental hygienist, under indirect supervision, may perform the following procedures:

1. A licensed dental hygienist may monitor nitrous oxide analgesia under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist.
2. A licensed dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist.