| (a) The following term, when used in this section, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "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) is certified pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. (c) The delegated duty of polishing by a dental assistant may not be billed as a prophylaxis. (d) A dental assistant seeking certification under this section must: (1) pay an application fee set by board rule; and (2) on a form prescribed by the Board, provide proof that the applicant has: (A) at least two years experience as a dental assistant; and either (B) completed a minimum of eight (8) hours of clinical and didactic education in coronal polishing taken through a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the Board that includes courses on: (i) oral anatomy and tooth morphology relating to retention of plaque and stain; (ii) indications, contraindications, and complications of coronal polishing; (iii) principles of coronal polishing, including armamentarium, operator and patient positioning, technique, and polishing agents; (iv) infection control procedures; (v) polishing coronal surfaces of teeth; and (vi) jurisprudence relating to coronal polishing; or (C) present proof to the Board that the assistant has either: (i) graduated from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the board that includes specific didactic course work and clinical training in coronal polishing; or (ii) received certification of completion of requirements specified by the Dental Assisting National Board and approved by the Board. |
