(a) "Coronal polishing" means the removal of plaque
and extrinsic stain from exposed natural and restored tooth surfaces
using an appropriate rotary instrument with rubber cup or brush and
polishing agent. This includes the use of a toothbrush.
(b) A Texas-licensed dentist may delegate coronal polishing
to a dental assistant, if the dental assistant:
(1) works under the direct supervision of the licensed
dentist; and
(2) meets the education requirements in subsection
(c) of this section.
(c) To perform coronal polishing, a dental assistant
must have either:
(1) graduated from a dental assisting program accredited
by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
(CODA) that includes specific didactic course work and clinical training
in coronal polishing; or
(2) completed a minimum of eight (8) hours of clinical
and didactic education in coronal polishing taken through a dental
school, dental hygiene school, or dental assisting program accredited
by CODA. A dental assistant must have at least one-year experience
as a dental assistant before applying to a CODA program to obtain
coronal polishing education. The education must include courses on:
(A) oral anatomy and tooth morphology relating to retention
of plaque and stain;
(B) indications, contraindications, and complications
of coronal polishing;
(C) principles of coronal polishing, including armamentarium,
operator and patient positioning, technique, and polishing agents;
(D) infection control procedures;
(E) polishing coronal surfaces of teeth; and
(F) jurisprudence relating to coronal polishing.
(d) The delegated duty of polishing by a dental assistant
may not be billed as a prophylaxis.
(e) Coronal polishing must be in accordance with the
minimum standard of care and limited to the dental assistant's scope
of practice.
(f) The dental assistant must comply with the Dental
Practice Act and Board Rules in the act of coronal polishing. Pursuant
to §258.003 of the Dental Practice Act, the delegating dentist
is responsible for all dental acts delegated to a dental assistant,
including coronal polishing.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §114.5 adopted to be effective February 2, 2010, 35 TexReg 639; amended to be effective December 14, 2015, 40 TexReg 8888; amended to be effective March 18, 2018, 43 TexReg 1438; amended to be effective May 23, 2024, 49 TexReg 3564 |