| (a) Pursuant to S.B. 263, 78th Regular Session, former Rule 115.10, relating to the issuance of a certificate of registration has been superseded by Rule 114.2, relating to Registration of Dental Assistants. Accordingly: (1) Beginning September 1, 2004, a dental assistant may not position or expose dental x-rays unless the dental assistant holds a certificate of registration issued pursuant to Rule 114.2; (2) Notwithstanding the requirement of subsection (a)(1) of this section, any dental assistant certified under this section (formerly codified as Rule 115.10) prior to September 1, 2004 shall not be required to register for certification under Rule 114.2 until September 1, 2006, and shall continue to be governed by this Rule 114.10, until September 1, 2006; and, (3) This section shall expire in its entirety on September 1, 2006. Dental assistants may not continue to position or expose dental x-rays pursuant to subsection (g) of this section after August 31, 2006. (b) Any person performing radiologic procedures under the supervision of a Texas licensed dentist must register with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). A registrant may perform, by the direct oral or written order(s) of the supervising dentist, any radiologic procedures required for the diagnosis of the maxillofacial complex. (c) This section does not apply to registered nurses or persons certified under the Medical Radiologic Technologist Certification Act. (d) A dental hygienist who is licensed and currently registered in this state, shall be deemed to be registered for the purpose of performing radiologic procedures. (e) A dental assistant is qualified to perform radiographic procedures if any one of the following criteria is met: (1) current certification as a certified dental assistant by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; (2) successful completion of the dental radiation health and safety examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; or (3) successful completion of an examination specified by the TSBDE. (f) Dental assistants who are not qualified under the provisions of this section, may be allowed to perform necessary diagnostic radiographs under the direct supervision of the dentist for a period of six months as a part of their training and as a part of their examination, provided the dental assistant is personally supervised by a person authorized to perform radiologic procedures. (g) All dental radiologic procedures can be performed by any person qualified and certified under this section. (h) Registration may be revoked, for the following reasons: (1) violation of the rules of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners; (2) violation of the Texas Dental Practice Act; and (3) violation of all other applicable rules and statutes affecting radiologic procedures in Texas. (i) All registrants must comply with the rules and regulations of the Texas Department of Health for control of radiation. |
