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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 4715 | Dentists; Dental Hygienists

 
 
 
Section
Section 4715.01 | Dentist - dental hygienist definitions.
 

Any person shall be regarded as practicing dentistry, who is a manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor of a place for performing dental operations, or who teaches clinical dentistry, or who performs, or advertises to perform, dental operations of any kind, or who diagnoses or treats diseases or lesions of human teeth or jaws, or associated structures, or attempts to correct malpositions thereof, or who takes impressions of the human teeth or jaws, or who constructs, supplies, reproduces, or repairs any prosthetic denture, bridge, artificial restoration, appliance, or other structure to be used or worn as a substitute for natural teeth, except upon the order or prescription of a licensed dentist and constructed upon or by the use of casts or models made from an impression taken by a licensed dentist, or who advertises, offers, sells, or delivers any such substitute or the services rendered in the construction, reproduction, supply, or repair thereof to any person other than a licensed dentist, or who places or adjusts such substitute in the oral cavity of another, or uses the words "dentist," "dental surgeon," the letters "D.D.S.," or other letters or title in connection with his name, which in any way represents him as being engaged in the practice of dentistry.

Manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor as used in this section includes any person:

(A) Who employs licensed operators; (B)

Who places in the possession of licensed operators dental offices or dental equipment necessary for the handling of dental offices on the basis of a lease or any other agreement for compensation or profit for the use of such office or equipment, when such compensation is manifestly in excess of the reasonable rental value of such premises and equipment;

(C) Who makes any other arrangements whereby he derives profit, compensation, or advantage through retaining the ownership or control of dental offices or necessary dental equipment by making the same available in any manner for the use of licensed operators; provided that this section does not apply to bona fide sales of dental equipment secured by chattel mortgage.

Whoever having a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene enters the employment of, or enters into any of the arrangements described in this section with, an unlicensed manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor, or who is determined mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, or is committed by a court having jurisdiction for treatment of mental illness, may have his license suspended or revoked by the state dental board.

Section 4715.02 | State dental board.
 

The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a state dental board consisting of thirteen persons, nine of whom shall be graduates of a reputable dental college, citizens of the United States, and shall have been in the legal and reputable practice of dentistry in the state at least five years next preceding their appointment; three of whom shall be graduates of a reputable school of dental hygiene, citizens of the United States, and shall have been in the legal and reputable practice of dental hygiene in the state at least five years next preceding their appointment; and one of whom shall be a member of the public at large who is not associated with or financially interested in the practice of dentistry.

Of the nine members who are in the practice of dentistry, two shall be persons recognized as specialists pursuant to rules adopted by the board. The specialist members shall be appointed in such a manner that the same specialty is not represented by both members at the same time. When a vacancy occurs in a position held by a specialist member, the governor shall make all reasonable efforts to fill the vacancy with a person who represents a specialty that is different from the specialty that was represented by the member who vacated the position.

Of the three members who are in the practice of dental hygiene, not more than one may be a person employed as a full-time teacher of dental hygiene students.

Representation of the various geographical areas of the state shall be considered in making appointments for members who are in the practice of dentistry and for members who are in the practice of dental hygiene.

Terms of office shall be for four years, commencing on the seventh day of April and ending on the sixth day of April. Each member shall hold office from the date of the member's appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. No person so appointed shall serve to exceed two terms.

The Ohio dental association may submit to the governor the names of five nominees for each position to be filled by a dentist and from the names so submitted or from others, at the governor's discretion, the governor shall make such appointments; provided that all such appointees shall possess the required qualifications. The Ohio dental hygienists association, inc., may submit to the governor the names of five nominees for each position to be filled by a dental hygienist and from the names so submitted or from others, at the governor's discretion, the governor shall make such appointments; provided that all such appointees shall possess the required qualifications. No person shall be appointed to the state dental board who is employed by or practices in a corporation holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code with a person who is a member of the board.

No member of the board shall administer to a student in this state or to a graduate of a dental college located in this state an examination on behalf of any of the following: the central regional dental testing service, inc., northeast regional board of dental examiners, inc., southern regional testing agency, inc., or western regional examining board.

Section 4715.03 | Board organization - examinations.
 

(A) The state dental board shall organize by electing from its members a president, secretary, and vice-secretary. The secretary and vice-secretary shall be elected from the members of the board who are dentists. It shall hold meetings monthly at least eight months a year at such times and places as the board designates. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum. The board shall make such reasonable rules as it determines necessary pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(B) A concurrence of a majority of the members of the board shall be required to do any of the following:

(1) Grant, refuse, suspend, place on probationary status, revoke, refuse to renew, or refuse to reinstate a license or censure a license holder or take any other action authorized under section 4715.30 of the Revised Code;

(2) Seek an injunction under section 4715.05 of the Revised Code;

(3) Enter into a consent agreement with a license holder;

(4) If the board develops and implements the quality intervention program under section 4715.031 of the Revised Code, refer a license holder to the program;

(5) Terminate an investigation conducted under division (D) of this section;

(6) Dismiss any complaint filed with the board.

(C)(1) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to do both of the following:

(a) Establish standards for the safe practice of dentistry and dental hygiene by qualified practitioners and shall, through its policies and activities, promote such practice;

(b) Establish universal blood and body fluid precautions that shall be used by each person licensed under this chapter who performs exposure prone invasive procedures.

(2) The rules adopted under division (C)(1)(b) of this section shall define and establish requirements for universal blood and body fluid precautions that include the following:

(a) Appropriate use of hand washing;

(b) Disinfection and sterilization of equipment;

(c) Handling and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments;

(d) Wearing and disposal of gloves and other protective garments and devices.

(D) The board shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. The board shall, in accordance with sections 4715.032 to 4715.035 of the Revised Code, investigate evidence which appears to show that any person has violated any provision of this chapter. Any person may report to the board under oath any information such person may have appearing to show a violation of any provision of this chapter. In the absence of bad faith, any person who reports such information or who testifies before the board in any disciplinary proceeding conducted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code is not liable for civil damages as a result of making the report or providing testimony. If after investigation and reviewing the recommendation of the supervisory investigative panel issued pursuant to section 4715.034 of the Revised Code the board determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the board shall, except as provided in this chapter, conduct disciplinary proceedings pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, seek an injunction under section 4715.05 of the Revised Code, enter into a consent agreement with a license holder, or provide for a license holder to participate in the quality intervention program established under section 4715.031 of the Revised Code if the board develops and implements that program.

For the purpose of any disciplinary proceeding or any investigation conducted under this division, the board may administer oaths, order the taking of depositions, issue subpoenas in accordance with section 4715.033 of the Revised Code, compel the attendance and testimony of persons at depositions, and compel the production of books, accounts, papers, documents, or other tangible things. The hearings and investigations of the board shall be considered civil actions for the purposes of section 2305.252 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding section 121.22 of the Revised Code and except as provided in section 4715.036 of the Revised Code, proceedings of the board relative to the investigation of a complaint or the determination whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred are confidential and are not subject to discovery in any civil action.

(E)(1) The board shall examine or cause to be examined eligible applicants to practice dental hygiene. The board may distinguish by rule different classes of qualified personnel according to skill levels and require all or only certain of these classes of qualified personnel to be examined and certified by the board.

(2) The board shall administer a written jurisprudence examination to each applicant for a license to practice dentistry. The examination shall cover only the statutes and administrative rules governing the practice of dentistry in this state.

(F)(1) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, subject to division (F)(2) of this section the board shall adopt, and may amend or rescind, rules establishing the eligibility criteria, the application and permit renewal procedures, and safety standards applicable to a dentist licensed under this chapter who applies for a permit to employ or use conscious sedation. These rules shall include all of the following:

(a) The eligibility requirements and application procedures for an eligible dentist to obtain a conscious sedation permit;

(b) The minimum educational and clinical training standards required of applicants, which shall include satisfactory completion of an advanced cardiac life support course;

(c) The facility equipment and inspection requirements;

(d) Safety standards;

(e) Requirements for reporting adverse occurrences.

(2) The board shall issue a permit to employ or use conscious sedation in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to a dentist licensed under this chapter if either of the following applies:

(a) The dentist holds a license or permit to employ or use conscious sedation in another state.

(b) The dentist has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code in employing or using conscious sedation in a state that does not issue that license.

(G)(1) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, subject to division (G)(2) of this section the board shall adopt rules establishing eligibility criteria, application and permit renewal procedures, and safety standards applicable to a dentist licensed under this chapter who applies for a general anesthesia permit.

(2) The board shall issue a general anesthesia permit in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to a dentist licensed under this chapter if either of the following applies:

(a) The dentist holds a general anesthesia license or permit in another state.

(b) The dentist has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code utilizing general anesthesia in a state that does not issue that license or permit.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:39 AM

Section 4715.031 | Development and implementation of quality intervention program.
 

(A) The state dental board may develop and implement a quality intervention program. The board may propose that the holder of a license issued by the board participate in the program if the board determines pursuant to an investigation conducted under section 4715.03 of the Revised Code that there are reasonable grounds to believe the license holder has violated a provision of this chapter due to a clinical or communication problem that could be improved through participation in the program and determines that the license holder's participation in the program is appropriate. The board shall refer a license holder who agrees to participate in the program to an educational and assessment service provider selected by the board.

(B) If the board develops and implements a quality intervention program, all of the following apply:

(1) The board shall select, by a concurrence of a majority of the board's members, educational and assessment service providers, which may include quality intervention program panels of case reviewers. A provider selected by the board to provide services to a license holder shall recommend to the board the educational and assessment services the license holder should receive under the program. The license holder may begin participation in the program if the board approves the services the provider recommends. The license holder shall not be required to participate in the program beyond one hundred eighty days from the date the license holder agrees to participate in the program under this division. The license holder shall pay the amounts charged by the provider for the services.

(2) The board shall monitor a license holder's progress in the program and determine whether the license holder has successfully completed the program. If the board determines that the license holder has successfully completed the program, it may continue to monitor the license holder, take other action it considers appropriate, or both. The additional monitoring, other action taken by the board, or both, shall not continue beyond one year from the date the license holder agrees to participate in the program under this division. If the board determines that the license holder has not successfully completed the program, it shall, as soon as possible thereafter, commence disciplinary proceedings against the license holder under section 4715.03 of the Revised Code.

(3) The board shall elect, from the board's members who are dentists, a coordinator to administer and provide oversight of the quality intervention program. The coordinator may delegate to the board's members or employees those duties that the coordinator considers appropriate.

(C) The board may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to further implement the quality intervention program.

Section 4715.032 | Supervisory investigative panel.
 

There is hereby created the supervisory investigative panel of the state dental board. The supervisory investigative panel shall consist solely of the board's secretary and vice-secretary. The supervisory investigative panel shall supervise all of the board's investigations.

Section 4715.033 | Issuance of subpoenas.
 

(A) All subpoenas the state dental board seeks to issue with respect to an investigation shall, subject to division (B) of this section, be authorized by the supervisory investigative panel.

(B) Before the supervisory investigative panel authorizes the board to issue a subpoena, the panel shall consult with the office of the attorney general and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the complaint filed alleges a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it and that the information sought pursuant to the subpoena is relevant to the alleged violation and material to the investigation.

(C)(1) Any subpoena to compel the production of records that the board issues after authorization by the supervisory investigative panel shall pertain to records that cover a reasonable period of time surrounding the alleged violation.

(2)(a) Except as provided in division (C)(2)(b) of this section, the subpoena shall state that the person being subpoenaed has a reasonable period of time that is not less than seven calendar days to comply with the subpoena.

(b) If the board's secretary determines that the person being subpoenaed represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety, the subpoena shall state that the person being subpoenaed must immediately comply with the subpoena.

(D) On a person's failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the board and after reasonable notice to that person of the failure, the board may move for an order compelling the production of persons or records pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Section 4715.034 | Authority of panel to meet with individuals under investigation; recommendations.
 

(A) At any time during an investigation, the supervisory investigative panel may ask to meet with the individual who is the subject of the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the panel shall recommend that the state dental board do one of the following:

(1) Pursue disciplinary action under section 4715.30 of the Revised Code;

(2) Seek an injunction under section 4715.05 of the Revised Code;

(3) Enter into a consent agreement if the subject of the investigation is a licensee;

(4) Refer the individual to the quality intervention program, if that program is developed and implemented under section 4715.031 of the Revised Code and the subject of the investigation is a licensee;

(5) Terminate the investigation.

(B) The supervisory investigative panel's recommendation shall be in writing and specify the reasons for the recommendation. Except as provided in section 4715.035 of the Revised Code, the panel shall make its recommendation not later than one year after the date the panel begins to supervise the investigation or, if the investigation pertains to an alleged violation of division (A)(9) of section 4715.30 of the Revised Code, not later than two years after the panel begins to supervise the investigation.

Once the panel makes its recommendation, the members of the panel shall not participate in any deliberations the board has on the case.

Section 4715.035 | Calculation of time period for recommendation.
 

Both of the following periods of time shall not be counted for purposes of determining the time within which the supervisory investigative panel is required to make its recommendation to the state dental board under section 4715.034 of the Revised Code:

(A) The period during which the panel suspends the investigation of an individual because the individual is also the subject of a criminal investigation and the panel is asked to do so by the entity conducting the criminal investigation or the panel determines it is necessary to do so as a result of the criminal investigation.

(B) The period beginning when the board moves for an order compelling the production of persons or records, as permitted by division (D) of section 4715.033 of the Revised Code, and ending when either of the following occurs:

(1) The court renders a decision not to issue the order.

(2) The court renders a decision to issue the order and the person subject to the order produces the persons or records.

Section 4715.036 | Requests for copies of investigative items.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Personal identifying information" has the same meaning as in section 2913.49 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Confidential law enforcement investigatory record" has the same meaning as in section 149.43 of the Revised Code, except that it excludes information provided by an information source or witness to whom confidentiality has been reasonably promised, which information would reasonably tend to disclose the source's or witness's identity.

(B) If the state dental board notifies an applicant, license holder, or other individual of an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code, the board shall state in the notice that the individual is entitled to receive at least sixty days before the hearing, on the individual's request and as described in division (C) of this section, one copy of each item the board procures or creates in the course of its investigation on the individual. Such items may include, but are not limited to, the one or more complaints filed with the board; correspondence, reports, and statements; deposition transcripts; and patient dental records.

(C) On receipt of a request for copies of investigative items from an individual who is notified under division (B) of this section of an opportunity for a hearing, the board shall provide the copies to the individual in accordance with, and subject to, all of the following:

(1) The board shall provide the copies in a timely manner.

(2) The board may charge a fee for providing the copies, but the amount of the fee shall be set at a reasonable cost to the individual.

(3) Before providing the copies, the board shall determine whether the investigative items contain any personal identifying information regarding a complainant. If the board determines that the investigative items contain such personal identifying information, or any other information that would reveal the complainant's identity, the board shall redact the information from the copies it provides to the individual.

(4) The board shall not provide either of the following:

(a) Any information that is subject to the attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine, or that would reveal the investigatory processes or methods of investigation used by the board;

(b) Any information that would constitute a confidential law enforcement investigatory record.

(D) If a request for copies of investigative items is made pursuant to this section, the board in its scheduling of a hearing for the individual shall, notwithstanding section 119.07 of the Revised Code, schedule the hearing for a date that is at least sixty-one days after the board provides the individual with the copies of the items.

(E)(1) After the board notifies an individual of an opportunity for a hearing, the individual may ask the board to issue either or both of the following:

(a) A subpoena to compel the attendance and testimony of any witness at the hearing;

(b) A subpoena for the production of books, records, papers, or other tangible items.

(2) On receipt of an individual's request under division (E)(1) of this section, the board shall issue the subpoena.

In the case of a subpoena for the production of books, records, papers, or other tangible items, the person or government entity subject to the subpoena shall comply with the subpoena at least thirty days prior to the date the individual's hearing is scheduled to be held.

Last updated September 25, 2023 at 11:18 AM

Section 4715.037 | Appointment of referees or examiners; terms.
 

(A) Notwithstanding the permissive nature of hearing referee or examiner appointments under section 119.09 of the Revised Code, the state dental board shall appoint, by a concurrence of a majority of its members, three referees or examiners to conduct the hearings the board is required to hold pursuant to sections 119.01 to 119.13 of the Revised Code. Referees or examiners appointed under this section shall be attorneys who have been admitted to the practice of law in this state. In making the appointments, the board shall not appoint an attorney who is a board employee or represents the board in any other manner.

(B)(1) Referees or examiners appointed under this section shall serve not more than the following number of consecutive one-year terms:

(a) In the case of the first initial appointee, six;

(b) In the case of the second initial appointee, seven;

(c) In the case of the third initial appointee and all successor appointees, eight.

(2) The board may not refuse to reappoint a referee or examiner before the referee or examiner has served the maximum number of terms applicable to the referee or examiner unless the referee or examiner does not seek to serve the maximum number of terms or the board, by a concurrence of a majority of its members, determines there is cause not to reappoint the referee or examiner.

(C) The board shall assign one referee or examiner appointed under this section to conduct each hearing. Assignments shall be made in the order the board receives requests for hearings without regard to the experience or background of a particular referee or examiner or the consideration of any factor other than whether the referee or examiner is available at the appropriate time.

Section 4715.038 | Conduct of hearing; findings.
 

A hearing referee or examiner assigned to conduct a hearing pursuant to section 4715.037 of the Revised Code shall hear and consider the oral and documented evidence introduced by the parties during the hearing. Not later than thirty days following the close of the hearing, the referee or examiner shall issue to the state dental board, in writing, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. Along with the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, the board shall be given copies of the record of the hearing and all exhibits and documents presented by the parties at the hearing.

Section 4715.039 | Oral arguments; final decision; appeal.
 

Prior to the state dental board's decision of a case, the board shall allow the parties or their counsel an opportunity to present oral arguments on the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law issued by the hearing referee or examiner under section 4715.038 of the Revised Code. Not later than sixty days following the board's receipt of the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, or a date mutually agreed to by the board and the applicant for or holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter, the board shall render a decision. The decision shall be in writing and contain findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Copies of the board's decision shall be delivered to the applicant, licensee, or certificate holder personally or by certified mail. The board's decision shall be considered final on the date personal delivery of the decision is made or the date the decision is mailed.

An individual may appeal a decision by the board in accordance with the procedure specified in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.0310 | Notice of opportunity for hearing and name or referee or examiner as public record.
 

A notice of opportunity for a hearing issued by the state dental board pursuant to section 119.07 of the Revised Code and the name of the hearing referee or examiner the board assigns to a hearing pursuant to section 4715.037 of the Revised Code are public records under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.04 | Secretary's bond - depositing receipts.
 

Before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his office, the secretary of the state dental board shall give a bond to the state in the sum of two thousand dollars conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office , the premium for such bond to be paid in the same manner as other expenses of the board. Such bond, with the approval of the board and oath of office indorsed thereon, shall be deposited with the secretary of state and kept in his office. Such board may employ such assistants, inspectors, investigators, and clerical help as it deems necessary to enforce sections 4715.01 to 4715.35 of the Revised Code, the expense thereof to be charged and paid as other expenditures of the board. All receipts of the board, from any source, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. The board shall make an annual report as of the thirty-first day of December of the year preceding, of its proceedings and the items of its receipts and disbursements to the governor on or before the first day of February.

Section 4715.05 | Prosecution - injunctive relief.
 

The prosecuting attorney of a county, or the village solicitor or city director of law of a municipal corporation, wherein a violation of this chapter allegedly occurs, shall, when so requested by the state dental board, take charge of and conduct the prosecution.

In addition to any other remedy provided in this chapter, the state dental board may request the attorney general, or the prosecuting attorney of any county where a person is practicing dentistry or dental hygiene without a license or certificate from the board to apply to the court of common pleas of the county where the unauthorized practice occurs for any injunction to restrain such practice. The court shall grant injunctive relief upon a showing that the respondent named in the petition is practicing dentistry or dental hygiene without a valid license or exemption from licensure granted pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4715.06 | Compensation and expenses of board.
 

Each member of the state dental board shall receive an amount fixed pursuant to division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day actually employed in the discharge of the official duties of the member, and the necessary expenses of the member. The secretary and vice-secretary shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of the official duties of the secretary and vice-secretary, respectively. All vouchers of the board shall be approved by the board president or executive secretary, or both, as authorized by the board.

Section 4715.07 | Affiliation with American Association of Dental Examiners.
 

The state dental board may affiliate with the American association of dental examiners, as an active member, and pay regular annual dues to said association and may send a delegate to the meetings of the said association; such delegate shall receive the compensation provided in section 4715.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.08 | Official seal and records.
 

The state dental board shall have an official seal and shall keep a record of its proceedings, a register of persons licensed as dentists, and a register of licenses by it revoked. At reasonable times, its records shall be open to public inspection, and it shall keep on file all examination papers for a period of ninety days after each examination. A transcript of an entry in such records, certified by the secretary under the seal of the board, shall be evidence of the facts therein stated.

Section 4715.09 | Unlicensed practice prohibited.
 

(A) No person shall practice dentistry without a current license from the state dental board. No person shall practice dentistry while the person's license is under suspension by the state dental board.

(B) No dentist shall use the services of any person not licensed to practice dentistry in this state, or the services of any partnership, corporation, or association, to construct, alter, repair, or duplicate any denture, plate, bridge, splint, or orthodontic or prosthetic appliance, without first furnishing the unlicensed person, partnership, corporation, or association with a written work authorization on forms prescribed by the state dental board.

The unlicensed person, partnership, corporation, or association shall retain the original work authorization, and the dentist shall retain a duplicate copy of the work authorization, for two years from its date. Work authorizations required by this section shall be open for inspection during the two-year period by the state dental board, its authorized agent, or the prosecuting attorney of a county or the director of law of a municipal corporation wherein the work authorizations are located.

(C) If the person, partnership, association, or corporation receiving a written authorization from a licensed dentist engages another person, firm, or corporation, referred to in this division as "subcontractor," to perform some of the services relative to the work authorization, the person shall furnish a written sub-work authorization with respect thereto on forms prescribed by the state dental board.

The subcontractor shall retain the sub-work authorization and the issuer thereof shall retain a duplicate copy, attached to the work authorization received from the licensed dentist, for inspection by the state dental board or its duly authorized agents, for a period of two years in both cases.

(D) No unlicensed person, partnership, association, or corporation shall perform any service described in division (B) of this section without a written work authorization from a licensed dentist. Provided, that if a written work authorization is demanded from a licensed dentist who fails or refuses to furnish it for any reason, the unlicensed person, partnership, association, or corporation shall not, in such event, be subject to the enforcement provisions of section 4715.05 or the penal provisions of section 4715.99 of the Revised Code.

(E) No dentist shall employ or use conscious sedation unless the dentist possesses a valid permit issued by the state dental board authorizing the dentist to do so.

(F) No dentist shall employ or use general anesthesia unless the dentist possesses a valid permit issued by the state dental board authorizing the dentist to do so.

(G) Division (A) of this section does not apply to a nonresident person who meets both of the following conditions:

(1) The person holds a license in good standing to practice dentistry issued by another state.

(2) The person is practicing as a volunteer without remuneration during a charitable event that lasts not more than seven days.

When a nonresident person meets the conditions of this division, the person shall be deemed to hold, for the course of the charitable event, a license to practice dentistry from the state dental board and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter authorizing the board to take disciplinary action against a license holder. Not less than seven calendar days before the first day of the charitable event, the person or the event's organizer shall notify the board of the person's intent to engage in the practice of dentistry at the event. During the course of the charitable event, the person's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that a dentist licensed under this chapter is authorized to perform unless the person's scope of practice in the other state is more restrictive than in this state. If the latter is the case, the person's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that a dentist in the other state may perform. Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to this division.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:33 AM

Section 4715.10 | Application for license.
 

(A) As used in this section, "accredited dental college" means a dental college accredited by the commission on dental accreditation or a dental college that has educational standards recognized by the commission on dental accreditation and is approved by the state dental board.

(B) Each person who desires to practice dentistry in this state shall file a written application for a license with the secretary of the state dental board. Except as provided in division (F) of this section, each application shall be on a form prescribed by the board and verified by oath. Each applicant shall furnish satisfactory proof to the board that the applicant has met the requirements of divisions (C) and (D) of this section, and if the applicant is a graduate of an unaccredited dental college located outside the United States, division (E) of this section.

(C) To be granted a license to practice dentistry, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Be at least eighteen years of age;

(2) Be a graduate of an accredited dental college or of a dental college located outside the United States who meets the standards adopted under section 4715.11 of the Revised Code;

(3) Have passed parts I and II of the examination given by the national board of dental examiners;

(4) Have passed a written jurisprudence examination administered by the state dental board under division (E)(2) of section 4715.03 of the Revised Code;

(5) Pay the fee required by division (A)(1) of section 4715.13 of the Revised Code.

(D) To be granted a license to practice dentistry, an applicant must meet any one of the following requirements:

(1) Have taken an examination administered by any of the following regional testing agencies and received a passing score on the examination as determined by the administering agency: the central regional dental testing service, inc., northeast regional board of dental examiners, inc., the commission on dental competency assessments, the southern regional dental testing agency, inc., the council of interstate testing agencies, inc., or the western regional examining board;

(2) Have taken an examination administered by the state dental board and received a passing score as established by the board;

(3) Have completed a dental residency program accredited or approved by the commission on dental accreditation and administered by an accredited dental college or hospital.

(E) To be granted a license to practice dentistry, a graduate of an unaccredited dental college located outside the United States must meet both of the following requirements:

(1) Have taken a basic science and laboratory examination consistent with rules adopted under section 4715.11 of the Revised Code and received a passing score as established by the board;

(2) Have had sufficient clinical training in an accredited institution to reasonably assure a level of competency equal to that of graduates of accredited dental colleges, as determined by the board.

(F) The board shall grant a license to practice dentistry in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant holds a license to practice dentistry in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in the practice of dentistry in a state that does not issue that license.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:22 AM

Section 4715.101 | License applicant to comply with RC Chapter 4776.
 

(A) As used in this section, "license" and "applicant for an initial license" have the same meanings as in section 4776.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for an initial license issued pursuant to section 4715.12, 4715.16, 4715.21, or 4715.27 of the Revised Code shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state dental board shall not grant a license to an applicant for an initial license issued pursuant to section 4715.12, 4715.16, 4715.21, or 4715.27 of the Revised Code unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:05 AM

Section 4715.11 | Standards and examination.
 

In the state dental board's implementation of section 4715.10 of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:

(A) The board shall adopt rules establishing standards that must be met by graduates of unaccredited dental colleges located outside the United States. The standards must reasonably assure that the graduates have received a level of education and training equal to that provided by accredited dental colleges.

(B) The board shall adopt rules governing the basic sciences and laboratory examination required by division (E)(1) of section 4715.10 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.12 | License - re-examination.
 

If an applicant passes the examination required by section 4715.10 of the Revised Code, the applicant shall receive a license from the state dental board attested by its seal and signed by the president and secretary, which shall be conclusive evidence of the applicant's right to practice dentistry. If the loss of a license is satisfactorily shown, a duplicate thereof shall be issued by the board.

If an applicant fails the examination required by section 4715.10 of the Revised Code, the applicant may apply for re-examination at a subsequent regular or special examination meeting of the state dental board. No applicant shall be admitted to more than two examinations without first presenting satisfactory proof that the applicant has successfully completed such refresher courses in an accredited dental college as the state dental board may prescribe.

Section 4715.13 | Fees for licenses or permits.
 

(A) Applicants for licenses to practice dentistry or for a general anesthesia permit or a conscious sedation permit shall pay to the secretary of the state dental board the following fees:

(1) For license to practice dentistry, two hundred sixty-seven dollars if issued in an odd-numbered year or four hundred fifty-four dollars if issued in an even-numbered year, except that beginning January 1, 2025, the fee shall be four hundred fifty-four dollars regardless of the year in which the license is issued;

(2) For duplicate license, to be granted upon proof of loss of the original, twenty dollars;

(3) For a general anesthesia permit, one hundred twenty-seven dollars;

(4) For a conscious sedation permit, one hundred twenty-seven dollars.

(B) Forty dollars of each fee collected under division (A)(1) of this section for a license issued in an even-numbered year and twenty dollars of each fee collected under division (A)(1) of this section in an odd-numbered year shall be paid to the dentist loan repayment fund established under section 3702.95 of the Revised Code, except that beginning January 1, 2025, the amount paid shall be forty dollars.

(C) In the case of a person who applies for a license to practice dentistry by taking an examination administered by the state dental board, both of the following apply:

(1) The fee in division (A)(1) of this section may be refunded to an applicant who is unavoidably prevented from attending the examination, or the applicant may be examined at the next regular or special meeting of the board without an additional fee.

(2) An applicant who fails the first examination may be re-examined at the next regular or special meeting of the board without an additional fee.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Section 4715.14 | Registration - notice of change of address.
 

(A)(1) Each person who is licensed to practice dentistry in Ohio shall, on or before the first day of January of each even-numbered year, register with the state dental board. The registration shall be made on a form prescribed by the board and furnished by the secretary, shall include the licensee's name, address, license number, and such other reasonable information as the board may consider necessary, and shall include payment of a biennial registration fee of three hundred twelve dollars. If the licensee is a mobile dental facility operator as defined in section 4715.70 of the Revised Code, the licensee shall so specify on the form and include any other information the board considers necessary to monitor compliance with sections 4715.71 and 4715.72 of the Revised Code. Subject to division (C) of this section, a registration shall be in effect for the two-year period beginning on the first day of January of the even-numbered year and ending on the last day of December of the following odd-numbered year, and shall be renewed in accordance with the standard renewal procedure of sections 4745.01 to 4745.03 of the Revised Code.

(2)(a) Except as provided in division (A)(2)(b) of this section, in the case of a licensee seeking registration who prescribes or personally furnishes opioid analgesics or benzodiazepines, as defined in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code, the licensee shall certify to the board whether the licensee has been granted access to the drug database established and maintained by the state board of pharmacy pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code.

(b) The requirement in division (A)(2)(a) of this section does not apply if any of the following is the case:

(i) The state board of pharmacy notifies the state dental board pursuant to section 4729.861 of the Revised Code that the licensee has been restricted from obtaining further information from the drug database.

(ii) The state board of pharmacy no longer maintains the drug database.

(iii) The licensee does not practice dentistry in this state.

(3) If a licensee certifies to the state dental board that the licensee has been granted access to the drug database and the board finds through an audit or other means that the licensee has not been granted access, the board may take action under section 4715.30 of the Revised Code.

(B) A licensed dentist who desires to temporarily retire from practice and who has given the board notice in writing to that effect shall be granted such a retirement, provided only that at that time all previous registration fees and additional costs of reinstatement have been paid.

(C) Not later than the thirty-first day of January of an even-numbered year, the board shall send a notice by certified mail to a dentist who fails to renew a license in accordance with division (A) of this section. The notice shall state all of the following:

(1) That the board has not received the registration form and fee described in that division;

(2) That the license shall remain valid and in good standing until the first day of April following the last day of December of the odd-numbered year in which the dentist was scheduled to renew if the dentist remains in compliance with all other applicable provisions of this chapter and any rule adopted under it;

(3) That the license may be renewed until the first day of April following the last day of December of the odd-numbered year in which the dentist was scheduled to renew by the payment of the biennial registration fee and an additional fee of one hundred twenty-seven dollars to cover the cost of late renewal;

(4) That unless the board receives the registration form and fee before the first day of April following the last day of December of the odd-numbered year in which the dentist was scheduled to renew, the board may, on or after the relevant first day of April, initiate disciplinary action against the dentist pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code;

(5) That a dentist whose license has been suspended as a result of disciplinary action initiated pursuant to division (C)(4) of this section may be reinstated by the payment of the biennial registration fee and an additional fee of three hundred eighty-one dollars to cover the cost of reinstatement.

(D) Each dentist licensed to practice, whether a resident or not, shall notify the secretary in writing or electronically of any change in the dentist's office address or employment within ten days after such change has taken place. On the first day of July of every even-numbered year, the secretary shall issue a printed roster of the names and addresses so registered.

(E) Forty dollars of each biennial registration fee shall be paid to the dentist loan repayment fund created under section 3702.95 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 21, 2023 at 11:10 AM

Section 4715.141 | Continuing education.
 

(A) Each licensed dentist shall complete biennially not less than thirty hours of continuing dental education, which may include, but is not limited to, attendance at lectures, study clubs, college and postgraduate courses, or scientific sessions of conventions, research, graduate study, teaching, service as a clinician, or correspondence courses. Continuing dental education programs include, but are not limited to, programs that address any of the following:

(1) Competency in treating patients who are medically compromised or who experience medical emergencies during the course of dental treatment;

(2) Knowledge of pharmaceutical products and the protocol of the proper use of medications;

(3) Competency to diagnose oral pathology;

(4) Awareness of currently accepted methods of infection control;

(5) Basic medical and scientific subjects including, but not limited to, biology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and pharmacology;

(6) Clinical and technological subjects including, but not limited to, clinical techniques and procedures, materials, and equipment;

(7) Subjects pertinent to health and safety.

Dentists shall earn continuing education credits at the rate of one-half credit for each twenty-five to thirty contact minutes of instruction and one credit hour for each fifty to sixty contact minutes of instruction.

(B) Programs meeting the general requirements of division (A) of this section may be developed and offered to dentists by any of the following agencies or organizations:

(1) National, state, district, or local dental associations affiliated with the American dental association or national dental association;

(2) Accredited dental colleges or schools;

(3) Other organizations, schools, or agencies approved by the state dental board.

(C) Each licensed dentist shall submit to the board at the time of biennial registration pursuant to section 4715.14 of the Revised Code a sworn affidavit, on a form acceptable to the state dental board, attesting that the dentist has completed continuing education programs in compliance with this section and listing the date, location, sponsor, subject matter, and hours completed of the programs.

A licensed dentist shall retain in the dentist's records for a period of at least three years such receipts, vouchers, or certificates as may be necessary to document completion of continuing education programs. With cause, the board may request such documentation from licensed dentists, and the board may request such documentation from licensed dentists selected at random without cause.

(D) The board may excuse licensed dentists, as a group or as individuals, from all or any part of the requirements of this section because of an unusual circumstance, emergency, or special hardship.

(E) The board shall notify a dentist who fails to submit the affidavit required by division (C) of this section of both of the following:

(1) That the board has not received the affidavit;

(2) That unless the board receives the affidavit before the first day of April following the last day of December by which the dentist was required to submit the affidavit, the board may, on or after the relevant first day of April, initiate disciplinary action against the dentist pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:35 AM

Section 4715.16 | Application for limited license.
 

(A) Upon payment of a fee of thirteen dollars, the state dental board may without examination issue a limited resident's license to any person who is a graduate of a dental college, is authorized to practice in another country or qualified to take the regular licensing examination in this state, and furnishes the board satisfactory proof of having been appointed a dental resident at an accredited dental college in this state or at an accredited program of a hospital in this state, but has not yet been licensed as a dentist by the board. Any person receiving a limited resident's license may practice dentistry only in connection with programs operated by the dental college or hospital at which the person is appointed as a resident as designated on the person's limited resident's license, and only under the direction of a licensed dentist who is a member of the dental staff of the college or hospital or a dentist holding a current limited teaching license issued under division (B) of this section, and only on bona fide patients of such programs. The holder of a limited resident's license may be disciplined by the board pursuant to section 4715.30 of the Revised Code. The board shall issue a limited resident's license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant holds a license to practice dentistry in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in the practice of dentistry in a state that does not issue that license.

(B) Upon payment of one hundred twenty-seven dollars and upon application endorsed by an accredited dental college in this state, the board may without examination issue a limited teaching license to a dentist who is a resident of a state other than Ohio and who is a graduate of a dental college, is authorized to practice dentistry in another state or country, and has full-time appointment to the faculty of the endorsing dental college. A limited teaching license is subject to annual renewal in accordance with the standard renewal procedure of Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code, and automatically expires upon termination of the full-time faculty appointment. A person holding a limited teaching license may practice dentistry only in connection with programs operated by the endorsing dental college. The board may discipline the holder of a limited teaching license pursuant to section 4715.30 of the Revised Code.

Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a limited teaching license issued under this division.

(C)(1) As used in this division:

(a) "Continuing dental education practicum" or "practicum" means a course of instruction, approved by the American dental association, Ohio dental association, or academy of general dentistry, that is designed to improve the clinical skills of a dentist by requiring the dentist to participate in clinical exercises on patients.

(b) "Director" means the person responsible for the operation of a practicum.

(2) Upon payment of one hundred twenty-seven dollars and application endorsed by the director of a continuing dental education practicum, the board shall, without examination, issue a temporary limited continuing education license to a resident of a state other than Ohio who is licensed to practice dentistry in such state and is in good standing, is a graduate of an accredited dental college, and is registered to participate in the endorsing practicum. The determination of whether a dentist is in good standing shall be made by the board.

A dentist holding a temporary limited continuing education license may practice dentistry only on residents of the state in which the dentist is permanently licensed or on patients referred by a dentist licensed pursuant to section 4715.12 of the Revised Code to an instructing dentist licensed pursuant to that section, and only while participating in a required clinical exercise of the endorsing practicum on the premises of the facility where the practicum is being conducted.

Practice under a temporary limited continuing education license shall be under the direct supervision and full professional responsibility of an instructing dentist licensed pursuant to section 4715.12 of the Revised Code, shall be limited to the performance of those procedures necessary to complete the endorsing practicum, and shall not exceed thirty days of actual patient treatment in any year.

(3) A director of a continuing dental education practicum who endorses an application for a temporary limited continuing education license shall, prior to making the endorsement, notify the state dental board in writing of the identity of the sponsors and the faculty of the practicum and the dates and locations at which it will be offered. The notice shall also include a brief description of the course of instruction. The board may prohibit a continuing dental education practicum from endorsing applications for temporary limited continuing education licenses if the board determines that the practicum is engaged in activities that constitute a threat to public health and safety or do not constitute bona fide continuing dental education, or that the practicum permits activities which otherwise violate this chapter. Any continuing dental education practicum prohibited from endorsing applications may request an adjudication pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

A temporary limited continuing education license shall be valid only when the dentist is participating in the endorsing continuing dental education practicum and shall expire at the end of one year. If the dentist fails to complete the endorsing practicum in one year, the board may, upon the dentist's application and payment of a fee of ninety-four dollars, renew the temporary limited continuing education license for a consecutive one-year period. Only two renewals may be granted. The holder of a temporary limited continuing education license may be disciplined by the board pursuant to section 4715.30 of the Revised Code.

Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a temporary limited continuing education license issued under this division.

(D) The board shall act either to approve or to deny any application for a limited license pursuant to division (A), (B), or (C) of this section not later than sixty days of the date the board receives the application.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:39 AM

Section 4715.17 | License to be displayed.
 

Each person who engages in the practice of dentistry shall keep displayed in a conspicuous place in the office wherein he practices the majority of his time, and in such manner as to be easily seen and read, the license granted him by the state dental board.

Section 4715.18 | Practice name.
 

(A) No person shall practice or offer to practice dentistry or dental surgery under the name of any company, association, corporation, or other entity other than one of the following:

(1) A corporation-for-profit formed under Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code;

(2) A professional association established under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code;

(3) A limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code;

(4) A federally qualified health center, federally qualified health center look-alike, free clinic, nonprofit shelter or health care facility, or nonprofit clinic that provides health care services or dental services to indigent and uninsured persons.

(B) Any person practicing or offering to practice dentistry or dental surgery shall do so under the person's name, the name of a professional association, professional partnership, corporation-for-profit, or limited liability company that includes the person's name, or the name of an organization specified in division (A)(4) of this section.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) "Federally qualified health center" and "federally qualified health center look-alike" have the same meanings as in section 3701.047 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Free clinic" and "nonprofit shelter or health care facility" have the same meanings as in section 3701.071 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Nonprofit clinic" has the same meaning as in section 3715.87 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Indigent and uninsured person" has the same meaning as in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 10, 2021 at 11:49 AM

Section 4715.19 | Employment of unlicensed dentist unlawful - misrepresentation, impersonation, or false application unlawful.
 

No person, being a manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor of a place for performing dental operations, shall employ a person who is not a licensed dentist to perform dental operations or shall permit such person to practice dentistry in his office. No person shall practice dentistry under a false name, assume a title, append or prefix to his name, letters which falsely represent him as having a degree from a legal dental college, make use of the words "dental college" or "school" or equivalent words, when not lawfully authorized to do so, impersonate another at an examination held by the state dental board, or knowingly make a false application or a false representation in connection with such examination.

Section 4715.20 | Conditions to practice as dental hygienist.
 

No person shall practice as a dental hygienist except as follows:

(A) A licensed dentist ;

(B) One who has obtained a license from the state dental board to practice as a dental hygienist ;

(C) One who holds in good standing a license from another state to practice as a dental hygienist and is practicing as a volunteer without remuneration during a charitable event that lasts not more than seven days.

In the case of a person described in division (C) of this section, the person shall be deemed to hold, for the course of the charitable event, a license to practice as a dental hygienist from the state dental board and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter authorizing the board to take disciplinary action against a license holder. Not less than seven calendar days before the first day of the charitable event, the person or the event's organizer shall notify the board of the person's intent to engage in the practice of dental hygiene at the event. During the course of the charitable event, the person's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that a dental hygienist licensed under this chapter is authorized to perform unless the person's scope of practice in the other state is more restrictive than in this state. If the latter is the case, the person's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that a dental hygienist in the other state may perform.

Section 4715.21 | License application.
 

(A) Each person who desires to practice as a dental hygienist shall file with the secretary of the state dental board a written application for a license, under oath, upon the form prescribed. Such applicant shall furnish satisfactory proof of being at least eighteen years of age. An applicant shall present a diploma or certificate of graduation from an accredited dental hygiene school and shall pay the examination fee of one hundred twenty dollars if the license is issued in an odd-numbered year or one hundred eighty-four dollars if issued in an even-numbered year, except that beginning January 1, 2025, the fee shall be one hundred eighty-four dollars regardless of the year in which the license is issued. Those passing such examination as the board prescribes relating to dental hygiene shall receive a certificate of registration entitling them to practice. If an applicant fails to pass the first examination the applicant may apply for a re-examination at the next regular or special examination meeting of the board.

(B) No applicant shall be admitted to more than two examinations without first presenting satisfactory proof that the applicant has successfully completed such refresher courses in an accredited dental hygiene school as the state dental board may prescribe.

(C) An accredited dental hygiene school shall be one accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation or whose educational standards are recognized by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation and approved by the state dental board.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:36 AM

Section 4715.22 | Supervision of licensed dentist.
 

(A)(1) This section applies only when a licensed dental hygienist is not practicing in accordance with either of the following:

(a) A permit issued pursuant to section 4715.363 of the Revised Code authorizing practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist;

(b) Section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

(2) As used in this section, "health care facility" means either of the following:

(a) A hospital registered under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code;

(b) A home, as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) A licensed dental hygienist shall practice under the supervision, order, control, and full responsibility of a dentist licensed under this chapter. A dental hygienist may practice in a dental office, public or private school, health care facility, dispensary, or public institution. Except as provided in divisions (C) to (E) of this section, a dental hygienist may not provide dental hygiene services to a patient when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the dental hygienist is practicing.

(C) A dental hygienist may provide, for not more than fifteen consecutive business days, dental hygiene services to a patient when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the services are provided if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The dental hygienist has at least one year and a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours of experience in the practice of dental hygiene.

(2) The dental hygienist has successfully completed a course approved by the state dental board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.

(3) The dental hygienist does not perform, while the supervising dentist is absent from the location, procedures while the patient is anesthetized, definitive root planing, definitive subgingival curettage, or other procedures identified in rules the state dental board adopts.

(4) The supervising dentist has evaluated the dental hygienist's skills.

(5) The supervising dentist examined the patient not more than one year prior to the date the dental hygienist provides the dental hygiene services to the patient.

(6) The dental hygienist complies with written protocols or written standing orders that the supervising dentist establishes, including those established for emergencies.

(7) The supervising dentist completed and evaluated a medical and dental history of the patient not more than one year prior to the date the dental hygienist provides dental hygiene services to the patient and, except when the dental hygiene services are provided in a health care facility, the supervising dentist determines that the patient is in a medically stable condition.

(8) If the dental hygiene services are provided in a health care facility, a doctor of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code or a registered nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code is present in the health care facility when the services are provided.

(9) In advance of the appointment for dental hygiene services, the patient is notified that the supervising dentist will be absent from the location and that the dental hygienist cannot diagnose the patient's dental health care status.

(10) The dental hygienist is employed by, or under contract with, one of the following:

(a) The supervising dentist;

(b) A dentist licensed under this chapter who is one of the following:

(i) The employer of the supervising dentist;

(ii) A shareholder in a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code of which the supervising dentist is a shareholder;

(iii) A member or manager of a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code of which the supervising dentist is a member or manager;

(iv) A shareholder in a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code of which the supervising dentist is a shareholder;

(v) A partner or employee of a partnership or a limited liability partnership formed under Chapter 1775. or 1776. of the Revised Code of which the supervising dentist is a partner or employee.

(c) A government entity that employs the dental hygienist to provide dental hygiene services in a public school or in connection with other programs the government entity administers.

(D) A dental hygienist may provide dental hygiene services to a patient when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the services are provided if the services are provided as part of a dental hygiene program that is approved by the state dental board and all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The program is operated through a school district board of education or the governing board of an educational service center; the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code; a national, state, district, or local dental association; or any other public or private entity recognized by the state dental board.

(2) The supervising dentist is employed by or a volunteer for, and the patients are referred by, the entity through which the program is operated.

(3)(a) Except as provided in division (D)(3)(b) of this section, the services are performed after examination and diagnosis by the dentist and in accordance with the dentist's written treatment plan.

(b) The requirement in division (D)(3)(a) of this section does not apply when the only services to be provided by the dental hygienist are the placement of pit and fissure sealants and the application of fluoride varnish.

(E) A dental hygienist may do any of the following when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the services are provided, regardless of whether the dentist has examined the patient, if the dental hygienist is employed by, or under contract with, the supervising dentist or another person or government entity specified in division (C)(10)(b) or (c) of this section:

(1) Apply fluoride varnish;

(2) Apply desensitizing agents, excluding silver diamine fluoride;

(3) Apply disclosing solutions;

(4) Apply pit and fissure sealants;

(5) Recement temporary crowns or recement crowns with temporary cement;

(6) Conduct caries susceptibility testing;

(7) Provide instruction on oral hygiene home care, including the use of toothbrushes and dental floss;

(8) Discuss general nonmedical nutrition information for the purpose of maintaining good oral health.

As used in division (E)(8) of this section, "general nonmedical nutrition information" means information on the following: principles of good nutrition and food preparation, food to be included in the normal daily diet, the essential nutrients needed by the body, recommended amounts of the essential nutrients, the actions of nutrients on the body, the effects of deficiencies or excesses of nutrients, or food and supplements that are good sources of essential nutrients.

(F) No person shall do either of the following:

(1) Practice dental hygiene in a manner that is separate or otherwise independent from the dental practice of a supervising dentist;

(2) Establish or maintain an office or practice that is primarily devoted to the provision of dental hygiene services.

(G) The state dental board shall adopt rules under division (C) of section 4715.03 of the Revised Code identifying procedures a dental hygienist may not perform when practicing in the absence of the supervising dentist pursuant to division (C) or (D) of this section.

Last updated September 10, 2021 at 11:54 AM

Section 4715.23 | Practice limitations.
 

The practice of a dental hygienist shall consist of those prophylactic, preventive, and other procedures that licensed dentists are authorized by this chapter and rules of the dental board to assign only to licensed dental hygienists or to qualified personnel under section 4715.39 of the Revised Code.

A licensed dentist may assign to a dental hygienist intraoral tasks that do not require the professional competence or skill of the licensed dentist and that are authorized by board rule. Such performance of intraoral tasks by a dental hygienist shall be under supervision and full responsibility of the licensed dentist, and at no time shall more than four dental hygienists be practicing clinical hygiene under the supervision of the same dentist. The foregoing shall not be construed as authorizing the assignment of diagnosis, treatment planning and prescription (including prescriptions for drugs and medicaments or authorizations for restorative, prosthodontic, or orthodontic appliances); or, except when done in conjunction with the removal of calcarious deposits, dental cement, or accretions on the crowns and roots of teeth, surgical procedures on hard and soft tissues within the oral cavity or any other intraoral procedure that contributes to or results in an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy; or the making of final impressions from which casts are made to construct any dental restoration.

A licensed dentist may assign to a dental hygienist the application of silver diamine flouride if the dentist has examined the patient and diagnosed the need for such treatment and the dental hygienist has completed a course approved in accordance with rules adopted under division (B) of section 4715.436 of the Revised Code.

The state dental board shall issue rules defining the procedures that may be performed by licensed dental hygienists engaged in school health activities or employed by public agencies.

Section 4715.231 | Administration of local anesthesia by dental hygienist.
 

(A) As used in this section, "direct supervision" means a dentist licensed under this chapter is present, for purposes of consultation and direction, at the location where a dental hygienist performs the administration of local anesthesia to a patient. "Direct supervision" does not mean that the dentist must observe the administration of local anesthesia to a patient.

(B) Under the direct supervision of a dentist, a dental hygienist may administer intraoral block and infiltration local anesthesia to a patient if the dental hygienist is in compliance with division (D) of this section and either of the following is the case:

(1) The dental hygienist has met both of the following requirements:

(a) Successfully completed a course in the administration of local anesthesia approved by the state dental board and offered by a dental or dental hygiene program that is accredited by the commission on dental accreditation of the American dental association;

(b) Within eighteen months of completion of the anesthesia course, successfully passed a state or regional written examination on local anesthesia approved by the board.

(2) The dental hygienist is authorized to administer local anesthesia by another state's licensing authority with jurisdiction over the practice of dental hygiene and both of the following conditions are met:

(a) The dental hygienist was required by the licensing authority of the other state to complete, and the dental hygienist successfully completed, a course or instruction as a requirement to be authorized to administer local anesthesia.

(b) Either of the following applies:

(i) The required hours and content of the course or instruction described in division (B)(2)(a) of this section are substantially equivalent, as determined by the board, to the required hours and content of the course described in division (C) of this section.

(ii) The board determines that the required hours and content of the course or instruction described in division (B)(2)(a) of this section are not substantially equivalent to the required hours and content of the course described in division (C) of this section, but the dental hygienist submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the dental hygienist obtained, within the forty-eight months immediately preceding the date that the dental hygienist applied under section 4715.21 of the Revised Code for a license to practice as a dental hygienist, twenty-four consecutive months of experience in the administration of local anesthesia in the other state where the dental hygienist is authorized to administer local anesthesia.

(C) To be approved by the board, the local anesthesia administration course described in division (B)(1)(a) of this section must contain not less than fifteen hours of didactic instruction and not less than fourteen hours of clinical experience and include instruction on each of the following subjects:

(1) Theory of pain control;

(2) Selection of pain control modalities;

(3) Anatomy;

(4) Neurophysiology;

(5) Pharmacology of local anesthetics;

(6) Pharmacology of vasoconstrictors;

(7) Psychological aspects of pain control;

(8) Systemic complications;

(9) Techniques of maxillary and mandibular anesthesia taught by a dentist or other qualified instructor;

(10) Infection control;

(11) Local anesthesia medical emergencies.

(D) A dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia only if the dental hygienist has obtained current certification to perform basic cardiac life-support procedures as required by section 4715.251 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.24 | Registration - notice of change of address.
 

(A) Each person who is licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in Ohio shall, on or before the first day of January of each even-numbered year, register with the state dental board, unless the person is temporarily retired pursuant to section 4715.241 of the Revised Code. The registration shall be made on a form prescribed by the board and furnished by the secretary, shall include the licensee's name, address, license number, and such other reasonable information as the board may consider necessary, and shall include payment of a biennial registration fee of one hundred forty-four dollars. This fee shall be paid to the treasurer of state. All such registrations shall be in effect for the two-year period beginning on the first day of January of each even-numbered year and ending on the last day of December of the following odd-numbered year, and shall be renewed in accordance with the standard renewal procedure of sections 4745.01 to 4745.03 of the Revised Code. The failure of a licensee to renew registration in accordance with this section shall result in the automatic suspension of the licensee's license to practice as a dental hygienist, unless the licensee is temporarily retired pursuant to section 4715.241 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any dental hygienist whose license has been automatically suspended under this section may be reinstated on application to the board on a form prescribed by the board for licensure reinstatement and payment of the biennial registration fee and in addition thereto thirty-nine dollars to cover the costs of reinstatement.

(C) The license of a dental hygienist shall be exhibited in a conspicuous place in the room in which the dental hygienist practices. Each dental hygienist licensed to practice, whether a resident or not, shall notify the secretary in writing or electronically of any change in the dental hygienist's office address or employment within ten days after the change takes place.

(D) Ten dollars of each biennial registration fee collected under division (A) or (B) of this section shall be paid to the dental hygienist loan repayment fund established under section 3702.967 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:37 AM

Section 4715.241 | Dental hygienist; Notice of temporary retirement.
 

(A) As used in this section and sections 4715.242 and 4715.25 of the Revised Code, "registration period" means the two-year period during which a dental hygienist's registration is in effect under section 4715.24 of the Revised Code.

(B) A dental hygienist seeking to retire temporarily from the practice of dental hygiene shall provide written notice of that intent to the state dental board. Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the board shall grant temporary retirement if the dental hygienist has paid the registration fee required by section 4715.24 of the Revised Code for the registration period that includes the day immediately before the day that the temporary retirement is to begin. The license of a dental hygienist who is granted temporary retirement shall be inactive.

(C) The board may deny temporary retirement to a dental hygienist who is, at the time that the board denies the temporary retirement, the subject of a disciplinary action initiated by the board under section 4715.30 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.242 | Reinstatement.
 

(A) A dental hygienist who is temporarily retired pursuant to section 4715.241 of the Revised Code may submit a written request to the state dental board at any time for reinstatement of the dental hygienist's license. The board shall reinstate the license if the dental hygienist does both of the following:

(1) Pays the biennial registration fee established under section 4715.24 of the Revised Code for the period that includes the day on which the temporary retirement is to cease;

(2) Provides the board satisfactory evidence that the dental hygienist, during the two-year period immediately preceding the date that the dental hygienist submitted the written request for license reinstatement, completed a minimum of twenty-four hours of continuing dental hygiene education in accordance with division (B) of this section.

(B) The completion of continuing dental hygiene education required under division (A)(2) of this section is subject to division (D) of section 4715.25 of the Revised Code. The continuing education programs may be developed and offered to dental hygienists by any of the agencies or organizations described in division (C) of section 4715.25 of the Revised Code. The board may excuse dental hygienists, as a group or as individuals, from all or any part of the requirements of division (A)(2) of this section because of an unusual circumstance, emergency, or special hardship.

(C) The state dental board shall register each dental hygienist whose license is reinstated under this section. The registration expires at the end of the registration period during which the license is reinstated.

Section 4715.25 | Continuing education.
 

(A) Every person licensed to practice as a dental hygienist and required to register with the state dental board shall certify to the board at the time of applying for a renewal of registration that in the two-year period preceding the registration period for which renewal is sought the registrant completed a minimum of twenty hours of continuing dental hygiene education. Certification shall be made upon the application for registration prescribed by the board pursuant to section 4715.24 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The board shall apply toward the satisfaction of a registrant's continuing dental hygiene education requirement any of the following courses that the registrant completed:

(a) The basic life-support training course required by section 4715.251 of the Revised Code;

(b) Any course required by statute or rule of the board for registration;

(c) Any course required by statute or rule of the board as a condition of performing a particular function;

(d) Any other course that the board determines acceptable.

(2) In the case of a registrant whose license was reinstated under section 4715.242 of the Revised Code, the board shall apply toward the satisfaction of the registrant's continuing dental hygiene education requirement any course that the board applied toward the continuing dental hygiene education requirement for reinstatement of the license if the course was completed during the two-year period immediately preceding the registration period for which renewal is sought.

(C) Continuing education programs may be developed and offered to dental hygienists by any of the following agencies or organizations:

(1) National, state, district, or local dental hygienists' associations affiliated with the American dental hygienists' association;

(2) National, state, district, or local dental associations affiliated with the American dental association or national dental association;

(3) Accredited dental hygiene colleges or schools;

(4) Accredited dental colleges or schools;

(5) Other organizations, schools, paraprofessional programs, or agencies approved by the state dental board.

(D) A licensed dental hygienist shall retain in the dental hygienist's records for a period of at least four years such receipts, vouchers, or certificates as may be necessary to document completion of continuing education programs. With cause, the board may request such documentation from licensed dental hygienists, and the board may request such documentation from licensed dental hygienists at random without cause.

(E) The board may excuse licensed dental hygienists, as a group or as individuals, from all or any part of the requirements of this section because of an unusual circumstance, emergency, or special hardship.

(F) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section constitutes a failure to renew registration pursuant to section 4715.24 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:37 AM

Section 4715.251 | Completion of basic life-support training course.
 

Each person licensed to practice as a dental hygienist and required to register with the state dental board shall, each time the person applies for renewal of registration beginning in 1995, be currently certified to perform basic life-support procedures by having successfully completed a basic life-support training course certified by the American red cross, the American heart association, or, if determined equivalent by the board, the American safety and health institute. An applicant for renewal of registration shall certify on the application for renewal of registration prescribed by the board under section 4715.24 of the Revised Code that the applicant possesses the certification required by this section.

The board shall, not later than one hundred eighty days after the effective date of this amendment, determine whether basic life-support training certified by the American safety and health institute meets national standards. The board shall compare the training certified by the institute with the training certified by the American red cross and the American heart association and the training of instructors certified by the institute to the training of instructors certified by the American red cross and the American heart association.

If the board determines that the training certified by the American safety and health institute meets national standards and is equivalent to the training certified by the American red cross and the American heart association, the board shall accept training certified by the American safety and health institute in fulfillment of the requirements of this section.

Section 4715.26 | Record of dental hygienists and location.
 

The secretary of the state dental board shall keep a record of all dental hygienists, together with location and supervising dentist.

Section 4715.27 | Reciprocity.
 

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, the state dental board may issue a license to an applicant who furnishes satisfactory proof of being at least eighteen years of age and who demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the board, knowledge of the laws, regulations, and rules governing the practice of a dental hygienist; who proves, to the satisfaction of the board, intent to practice as a dental hygienist in this state; who is a graduate from an accredited school of dental hygiene and who holds a license by examination from a similar dental board, and who passes an examination as prescribed by the board relating to dental hygiene.

(2) The board shall issue a license to practice as a dental hygienist in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(a) The applicant holds a license to practice as a dental hygienist in another state.

(b) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in the practice of a dental hygienist in a state that does not issue that license.

(B) Upon payment of seventy-three dollars and upon application endorsed by an accredited dental hygiene school in this state, the state dental board may without examination issue a teacher's certificate to a dental hygienist, authorized to practice in another state or country. A teacher's certificate shall be subject to annual renewal in accordance with the standard renewal procedure of sections 4745.01 to 4745.03 of the Revised Code, and shall not be construed as authorizing anything other than teaching or demonstrating the skills of a dental hygienist in the educational programs of the accredited dental hygiene school which endorsed the application.

Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a teacher's certificate issued under this division.

Last updated January 16, 2024 at 2:17 PM

Section 4715.28 | Prohibited acts.
 

No person shall practice as or perform the duties of a dental hygienist in violation of sections 4715.20 to 4715.27, inclusive, of the Revised Code.

Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalties provided for the illegal practice of dentistry in section 4715.99 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.29 | Employment of dental hygienist.
 

No person shall employ a dental hygienist who has not complied with sections 4715.20 to 4715.27, inclusive, of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.30 | Disciplinary actions.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (K) of this section, an applicant for or holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter is subject to disciplinary action by the state dental board for any of the following reasons:

(1) Employing or cooperating in fraud or material deception in applying for or obtaining a license or certificate;

(2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;

(3) Advertising services in a false or misleading manner or violating the board's rules governing time, place, and manner of advertising;

(4) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;

(5) Commission of an act in the course of practice that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;

(6) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, any felony or of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;

(7) Engaging in lewd or immoral conduct in connection with the provision of dental services;

(8) Selling, prescribing, giving away, or administering drugs for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes, or conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a violation of any federal or state law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug;

(9) Providing or allowing dental hygienists, expanded function dental auxiliaries, or other practitioners of auxiliary dental occupations working under the certificate or license holder's supervision, or a dentist holding a temporary limited continuing education license under division (C) of section 4715.16 of the Revised Code working under the certificate or license holder's direct supervision, to provide dental care that departs from or fails to conform to accepted standards for the profession, whether or not injury to a patient results;

(10) Inability to practice under accepted standards of the profession because of physical or mental disability, dependence on alcohol or other drugs, or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs;

(11) Violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder;

(12) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4715.03 of the Revised Code;

(13) Except as provided in division (H) of this section, either of the following:

(a) Waiving the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers dental services, would otherwise be required to pay if the waiver is used as an enticement to a patient or group of patients to receive health care services from that certificate or license holder;

(b) Advertising that the certificate or license holder will waive the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers dental services, would otherwise be required to pay.

(14) Failure to comply with section 4715.302 or 4729.79 of the Revised Code, unless the state board of pharmacy no longer maintains a drug database pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code;

(15) Any of the following actions taken by an agency responsible for authorizing, certifying, or regulating an individual to practice a health care occupation or provide health care services in this state or another jurisdiction, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual's license to practice; acceptance of an individual's license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;

(16) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under division (D) of section 4715.03 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

(17) Failure to comply with the requirements in section 3719.061 of the Revised Code before issuing for a minor a prescription for an opioid analgesic, as defined in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code;

(18) Failure to comply with the requirements of sections 4715.71 and 4715.72 of the Revised Code regarding the operation of a mobile dental facility.

(B) A manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor of a dental facility shall be subject to disciplinary action if any dentist, dental hygienist, expanded function dental auxiliary, or qualified personnel providing services in the facility is found to have committed a violation listed in division (A) of this section and the manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor knew of the violation and permitted it to occur on a recurring basis.

(C) Subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board may take one or more of the following disciplinary actions if one or more of the grounds for discipline listed in divisions (A) and (B) of this section exist:

(1) Censure the license or certificate holder;

(2) Place the license or certificate on probationary status for such period of time the board determines necessary and require the holder to:

(a) Report regularly to the board upon the matters which are the basis of probation;

(b) Limit practice to those areas specified by the board;

(c) Continue or renew professional education until a satisfactory degree of knowledge or clinical competency has been attained in specified areas.

(3) Suspend the certificate or license;

(4) Revoke the certificate or license.

Where the board places a holder of a license or certificate on probationary status pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section, the board may subsequently suspend or revoke the license or certificate if it determines that the holder has not met the requirements of the probation or continues to engage in activities that constitute grounds for discipline pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section.

Any order suspending a license or certificate shall state the conditions under which the license or certificate will be restored, which may include a conditional restoration during which time the holder is in a probationary status pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section. The board shall restore the license or certificate unconditionally when such conditions are met.

(D) If the physical or mental condition of an applicant or a license or certificate holder is at issue in a disciplinary proceeding, the board may order the license or certificate holder to submit to reasonable examinations by an individual designated or approved by the board and at the board's expense. The physical examination may be conducted by any individual authorized by the Revised Code to do so, including a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife. Any written documentation of the physical examination shall be completed by the individual who conducted the examination.

Failure to comply with an order for an examination shall be grounds for refusal of a license or certificate or summary suspension of a license or certificate under division (E) of this section.

(E) If a license or certificate holder has failed to comply with an order under division (D) of this section, the board may apply to the court of common pleas of the county in which the holder resides for an order temporarily suspending the holder's license or certificate, without a prior hearing being afforded by the board, until the board conducts an adjudication hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the court temporarily suspends a holder's license or certificate, the board shall give written notice of the suspension personally or by certified mail to the license or certificate holder. Such notice shall inform the license or certificate holder of the right to a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) Any holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter who has pleaded guilty to, has been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the holder in this state for aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary, or who has pleaded guilty to, has been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the holder in another jurisdiction for any substantially equivalent criminal offense, is automatically suspended from practice under this chapter in this state and any certificate or license issued to the holder under this chapter is automatically suspended, as of the date of the guilty plea, conviction, or judicial finding, whether the proceedings are brought in this state or another jurisdiction. Continued practice by an individual after the suspension of the individual's certificate or license under this division shall be considered practicing without a certificate or license. The board shall notify the suspended individual of the suspension of the individual's certificate or license under this division in accordance with sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate or license is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudicatory hearing, the board shall enter a final order revoking the individual's certificate or license.

(G) If the supervisory investigative panel determines both of the following, the panel may recommend that the board suspend an individual's certificate or license without a prior hearing:

(1) That there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual has violated division (A) of this section;

(2) That the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public.

Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board. The board, upon review of those allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than four dentist members of the board and seven of its members in total, excluding any member on the supervisory investigative panel, may suspend a certificate or license without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.

The board shall serve a written order of suspension in accordance with sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency or any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the individual subject to the summary suspension requests an adjudicatory hearing by the board, the date set for the hearing shall be within fifteen days, but not earlier than seven days, after the individual requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the individual.

Any summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within seventy-five days after completion of its hearing. A failure to issue the order within seventy-five days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order.

(H) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (A)(13) of this section against any certificate or license holder who waives deductibles and copayments as follows:

(1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copayments shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Documentation of the consent shall be made available to the board upon request.

(2) For professional services rendered to any other person who holds a certificate or license issued pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.

(I) In no event shall the board consider or raise during a hearing required by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code the circumstances of, or the fact that the board has received, one or more complaints about a person unless the one or more complaints are the subject of the hearing or resulted in the board taking an action authorized by this section against the person on a prior occasion.

(J) The board may share any information it receives pursuant to an investigation under division (D) of section 4715.03 of the Revised Code, including patient records and patient record information, with law enforcement agencies, other licensing boards, and other governmental agencies that are prosecuting, adjudicating, or investigating alleged violations of statutes or administrative rules. An agency or board that receives the information shall comply with the same requirements regarding confidentiality as those with which the state dental board must comply, notwithstanding any conflicting provision of the Revised Code or procedure of the agency or board that applies when it is dealing with other information in its possession. In a judicial proceeding, the information may be admitted into evidence only in accordance with the Rules of Evidence, but the court shall require that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that confidentiality is maintained with respect to any part of the information that contains names or other identifying information about patients or complainants whose confidentiality was protected by the state dental board when the information was in the board's possession. Measures to ensure confidentiality that may be taken by the court include sealing its records or deleting specific information from its records.

(K) The board shall not refuse to issue a license or certificate to an applicant for either of the following reasons unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code:

(1) A conviction or plea of guilty to an offense;

(2) A judicial finding of eligibility for treatment or intervention in lieu of a conviction.

Last updated October 11, 2023 at 11:56 AM

Section 4715.301 | Standards for approving and designating physicians and facilities as treatment providers for dentists or dental hygienists with substance abuse problems.
 

The state dental board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing standards for approving and designating physicians and facilities as treatment providers for dentists or dental hygienists with substance abuse problems and shall approve and designate treatment providers in accordance with the rules. The rules shall include standards for both inpatient and outpatient treatment. The rules shall provide that to be approved, a treatment provider must be capable of making an initial examination to determine the type of treatment required for a dentist or dental hygienist with substance abuse problems. Subject to the rules, the board shall review and approve treatment providers on a regular basis and may, at its discretion, withdraw or deny approval.

An approved treatment provider shall:

(A) Report to the board the name of any dentist or dental hygienist suffering or showing evidence of suffering inability to practice under accepted standards as described in division (A)(10) of section 4715.30 of the Revised Code who fails to comply within one week with a referral for examination;

(B) Report to the board the name of any impaired dentist or dental hygienist who fails to enter treatment within forty-eight hours following the provider's determination that treatment is needed;

(C) Require every dentist or dental hygienist who enters treatment to agree to a treatment contract establishing the terms of treatment and aftercare, including any required supervision or restrictions of practice during treatment or aftercare;

(D) Require a dentist or dental hygienist to suspend practice on entering any required inpatient treatment;

(E) Report to the board any failure by an impaired dentist or dental hygienist to comply with the terms of the treatment contract during inpatient or outpatient treatment or aftercare;

(F) Report to the board the resumption of practice of any impaired dentist or dental hygienist before the treatment provider has made a clear determination that the individual is capable of practicing according to accepted standards of the profession;

(G) Require a dentist or dental hygienist who resumes practice after completion of treatment to comply with an aftercare contract that meets the requirements of rules adopted by the board for approval of treatment providers;

(H) Report to the board any dentist or dental hygienist who suffers a relapse at any time during or following aftercare.

Any dentist or dental hygienist who enters into treatment by an approved treatment provider shall be deemed to have waived any confidentiality requirements that would otherwise prevent the treatment provider from making reports required under this section.

In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no professional association of dentists or dental hygienists licensed under this chapter that sponsors a committee or program to provide peer assistance to dentists or dental hygienists with substance abuse problems, no representative or agent of such a committee or program, and no member of the state dental board shall be liable to any person for damages in a civil action by reason of actions taken to refer a dentist or dental hygienist to a treatment provider designated by the board or actions or omissions of the provider in treating a dentist or dental hygienist.

In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no person who reports to the board a dentist or dental hygienist with a suspected substance abuse problem shall be liable to any person for damages in a civil action as a result of making the report.

Section 4715.302 | Dentist's review of patient information available through drug database.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Drug database" means the database established and maintained by the state board of pharmacy pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Opioid analgesic" and "benzodiazepine" have the same meanings as in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as provided in divisions (C) and (E) of this section, a dentist shall comply with all of the following as conditions of prescribing a drug that is either an opioid analgesic or a benzodiazepine, or personally furnishing a complete or partial supply of such a drug, as part of a patient's course of treatment for a particular condition:

(1) Before initially prescribing or furnishing the drug, the dentist or the dentist's delegate shall request from the drug database a report of information related to the patient that covers at least the twelve months immediately preceding the date of the request. If the dentist practices primarily in a county of this state that adjoins another state, the dentist or delegate also shall request a report of any information available in the drug database that pertains to prescriptions issued or drugs furnished to the patient in the state adjoining that county.

(2) If the patient's course of treatment for the condition continues for more than ninety days after the initial report is requested, the dentist or delegate shall make periodic requests for reports of information from the drug database until the course of treatment has ended. The requests shall be made at intervals not exceeding ninety days, determined according to the date the initial request was made. The request shall be made in the same manner provided in division (B)(1) of this section for requesting the initial report of information from the drug database.

(3) On receipt of a report under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section, the dentist shall assess the information in the report. The dentist shall document in the patient's record that the report was received and the information was assessed.

(C)(1) Division (B) of this section does not apply if a drug database report regarding the patient is not available. In this event, the dentist shall document in the patient's record the reason that the report is not available.

(2) Division (B) of this section does not apply if the drug is prescribed or personally furnished in an amount indicated for a period not to exceed seven days.

(D) The state dental board may adopt rules that establish standards and procedures to be followed by a dentist regarding the review of patient information available through the drug database under division (A)(5) of section 4729.80 of the Revised Code. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(E) This section and any rules adopted under it do not apply if the state board of pharmacy no longer maintains the drug database.

Section 4715.32 | Using diploma or license with intent to defraud.
 

No person shall sell or offer to sell a diploma conferring a dental degree or a license granted by the state dental board, or shall procure such diploma or license with intent that it shall be used as evidence of the right to practice dentistry by a person other than the one upon whom such diploma was conferred, or to whom such license was granted. No person shall alter such diploma or license, with fraudulent intent, or use or attempt to use such altered diploma or license when so altered.

Section 4715.33 | Students exempted.
 

Sections 4715.01 to 4715.35 of the Revised Code do not apply to a bona fide student of dentistry when he is participating in any of the educational programs of an accredited dental college. Sections 4715.23 to 4715.30 of the Revised Code do not apply to a bona fide dental hygiene student when he is participating in any of the educational programs of an accredited dental hygiene school. A licensed dentist or a dentist holding a teaching certificate shall be physically present in the facility whenever students of dentistry or dental hygiene are performing clinical dental procedures on patients.

Section 4715.34 | Provisions not applicable to physicians and surgeons - exception.
 

Sections 4715.01 to 4715.35, inclusive, of the Revised Code do not apply to a legally qualified physician or surgeon unless he practices dentistry as a specialty, or to a dental surgeon of the United States army, navy, public health service, or veterans' administration; or to a legal practitioner of dentistry of another state, making a clinical demonstration before a dental society, convention, association of dentists, or dental college.

Section 4715.35 | Payment of fines and forfeitures.
 

All fines or forfeitures of bond in an action for violation of sections 4715.01 to 4715.35 of the Revised Code shall be paid by the court receiving it to the secretary of the state dental board for deposit into the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund.

Section 4715.36 | Definitions.
 

As used in this section and sections 4715.361 to 4715.374 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Accredited dental hygiene school" means a dental hygiene school accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation or a dental hygiene school whose educational standards are recognized by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation and approved by the state dental board.

(B) "Authorizing dentist" means a dentist who authorizes a dental hygienist to perform dental hygiene services under section 4715.365 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Clinical evaluation" means a diagnosis and treatment plan formulated for an individual patient by a dentist.

(D) "Dentist" means an individual licensed under this chapter to practice dentistry.

(E) "Dental hygienist" means an individual licensed under this chapter to practice as a dental hygienist.

(F) "Dental hygiene services" means the prophylactic, preventive, and other procedures that dentists are authorized by this chapter and rules of the state dental board to assign to dental hygienists, except for procedures while a patient is anesthetized, definitive root planing, definitive subgingival curettage, the administration of local anesthesia, and the procedures specified in rules adopted by the board as described in division (C)(3) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Facility" means any of the following:

(1) A health care facility, as defined in section 4715.22 of the Revised Code;

(2) A state correctional institution, as defined in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code;

(3) A comprehensive child development program that receives funds distributed under the "Head Start Act," 95 Stat. 499 (1981), 42 U.S.C. 9831, as amended, and is licensed as a child care center;

(4) A residential facility licensed under section 5123.19 of the Revised Code;

(5) A public school, as defined in section 3701.93 of the Revised Code, located in an area designated as a dental health resource shortage area pursuant to section 3702.87 of the Revised Code;

(6) A nonpublic school, as defined in section 3701.93 of the Revised Code, located in an area designated as a dental health resource shortage area pursuant to section 3702.87 of the Revised Code;

(7) A federally qualified health center or federally qualified health center look-alike, as defined in section 3701.047 of the Revised Code;

(8) A shelter for victims of domestic violence, as defined in section 3113.33 of the Revised Code;

(9) A facility operated by the department of youth services under Chapter 5139. of the Revised Code;

(10) A foster home, as defined in section 5103.02 of the Revised Code;

(11) A nonprofit clinic, as defined in section 3715.87 of the Revised Code;

(12) The residence of one or more individuals receiving services provided by a home health agency, as defined in section 3740.11 of the Revised Code;

(13) A dispensary;

(14) A health care facility, such as a clinic or hospital, of the United States department of veterans affairs;

(15) The residence of one or more individuals enrolled in a home and community-based services medicaid waiver component, as defined in section 5166.01 of the Revised Code;

(16) A facility operated by the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code;

(17) A women, infants, and children clinic;

(18) A mobile dental facility, as defined in section 4715.70 of the Revised Code, located at any location listed in divisions (G)(1) to (17) of this section;

(19) Any other location, as specified by the state dental board in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code, that is in an area designated as a dental health resource shortage area pursuant to section 3702.87 of the Revised Code and provides health care services to individuals who are medicaid recipients and to indigent and uninsured persons, as defined in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 23, 2023 at 9:13 AM

Section 4715.361 | Oral health access supervision program.
 

The oral health access supervision program is hereby created. The program shall begin six months after the effective date of this section.

Section 4715.362 | Application for permit; Dentist.
 

A dentist who desires to participate in the oral health access supervision program shall apply to the state dental board for an oral health access supervision permit. The application shall be under oath, on a form prescribed by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code, and accompanied by an application fee of twenty-five dollars. To be eligible to receive the permit, an applicant shall meet the requirements established by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code.

The state dental board shall issue an oral health access supervision permit to a dentist who is in good standing with the board and satisfies all of the requirements of this section.

Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a permit issued under this section.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:38 AM

Section 4715.363 | Application for permit; Dental hygienist.
 

(A) A dental hygienist who desires to participate in the oral health access supervision program shall apply to the state dental board for a permit to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist. The application shall be under oath, on a form prescribed by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code, and accompanied by an application fee of twenty-five dollars, which may be paid by credit card.

(B) The applicant shall provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has done all of the following:

(1) Completed at least one year and attained a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours of experience in the practice of dental hygiene;

(2) Completed at least twenty-four hours of continuing dental hygiene education during the two years prior to submission of the application;

(3) Completed a course pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene under the oral health access supervision of a dentist that meets standards established in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code;

(4) Completed, during the two years prior to submission of the application, a course pertaining to the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies that is the same as the course described in division (C)(2) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code.

(C) The state dental board shall issue a permit to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist to a dental hygienist who is in good standing with the board and meets all of the requirements of divisions (A) and (B) of this section.

(D) Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a permit issued under this section.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:37 AM

Section 4715.364 | Permit required.
 

(A) No person shall authorize a dental hygienist to provide dental hygiene services under section 4715.365 of the Revised Code unless the person holds a current, valid oral health access supervision permit issued under section 4715.362 of the Revised Code.

(B) No person shall provide dental hygiene services under section 4715.365 of the Revised Code unless the person holds a current, valid permit issued under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist.

Section 4715.365 | Authority under permit.
 

(A) A dentist who holds a current, valid oral health access supervision permit issued under section 4715.362 of the Revised Code may authorize a dental hygienist who holds a current, valid permit issued under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code to perform dental hygiene services at a facility when no dentist is physically present if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The authorizing dentist's authorization is in writing and includes, at a minimum, all of the following:

(a) The authorizing dentist's name and permit number;

(b) The dental hygienist's name and permit number;

(c) The patient's name;

(d) The name and address of the location where the dental hygiene services are to be provided;

(e) The date of authorization;

(f) A statement, signed by the dental hygienist, that the hygienist agrees to comply with section 4715.366 of the Revised Code.

(2) The authorizing dentist has personally evaluated the dental hygienist's skills prior to authorizing the dental hygienist to provide the dental hygiene services.

(3) Prior to authorizing the dental hygienist to perform the dental hygiene services, the patient's medical and dental history is made available to the authorizing dentist and the authorizing dentist reviews and evaluates the history and determines that the patient may safely receive dental hygiene services.

(4) Immediately prior to the provision of dental hygiene services, the patient or patient's representative verifies, by the signature or mark of the patient or representative, that no medically significant changes to the patient's medical or dental history have occurred since the authorizing dentist most recently reviewed and evaluated the history and determined that the patient could safely receive dental hygiene services. The signature or mark may be provided through reasonable accommodation, including the use of assistive technology or augmentative devices.

(5) Prior to receiving dental hygiene services, the patient and the operator of the facility where the dental hygiene services are to be provided are notified that no dentist will be present at the location and that the dental hygienist is prohibited from doing either of the following:

(a) Diagnosing the patient's oral health care status;

(b) Providing dental hygiene services to the same patient on a subsequent occasion until the patient has received a clinical evaluation performed by a dentist, except in instances described in division (D)(2) of this section.

(6) The dental hygienist is employed by, or under contract with, one of the following:

(a) The authorizing dentist;

(b) A dentist who is any of the following:

(i) The authorizing dentist's employer;

(ii) A shareholder in a professional association, formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a shareholder;

(iii) A member or manager of a limited liability company, formed under Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a member or manager;

(iv) A shareholder in a corporation, formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a shareholder;

(v) A partner or employee of a partnership, formed under Chapter 1775. of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a partner or employee;

(vi) A partner or employee of a limited liability partnership, formed under Chapter 1775. of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a partner or employee.

(c) A government entity that employs the dental hygienist to provide dental hygiene services;

(d) An entity that employs the authorizing dentist so long as the dentist's practice is not in violation of section 4715.18 of the Revised Code.

(7) If the patient to whom the services are to be provided previously received dental hygiene services under this section, there is written evidence that the patient received a clinical evaluation after the most recent provision of those services.

(B) No dentist shall authorize a dental hygienist to perform, and no dental hygienist shall perform, dental hygiene services on a patient under this section unless all of the conditions in division (A) of this section are met.

(C) If a patient or patient's representative indicates, under division (A)(4) of this section, that a medically significant change has occurred in the patient's medical or dental history since the authorizing dentist's most recent review and evaluation of the medical and dental history required by division (A)(3) of this section, no dental hygiene services shall be provided under this section until the authorizing dentist completes another review and evaluation of the patient's medical and dental history. The authorizing dentist may complete the subsequent review and evaluation of the patient's medical and dental history by telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, video, or any other means of electronic communication.

(D)(1) Except as provided in division (D)(2) of this section, no dentist shall authorize a dental hygienist to provide, and no dental hygienist shall provide, dental hygiene services under this section to the same patient on a subsequent occasion until the patient has received a clinical evaluation performed by a dentist.

(2) Division (D)(1) of this section does not apply if the patient requires multiple visits to complete one or more procedures that could not be completed during the visit in which dental hygiene services were commenced. If the patient requires multiple visits to complete the one or more procedures that could not be completed during the visit in which dental hygiene services were commenced, the one or more procedures shall be completed not later than eight weeks after the visit in which the dental hygiene services were commenced.

(E) No authorizing dentist shall authorize a dental hygienist to diagnose a patient's oral health care status. No dental hygienist practicing under a permit issued under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist shall diagnose a patient's oral health care status.

Last updated September 10, 2021 at 11:59 AM

Section 4715.366 | Compliance with protocols; Appointment with authorizing dentist.
 

(A) A dental hygienist providing dental hygiene services under a permit issued under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist shall do both of the following:

(1) Comply with written protocols established by the authorizing dentist who authorizes the dental hygienist's provision of services and standing orders established by the authorizing dentist, including protocols and standing orders regarding emergencies and, for the purpose of section 4715.365 of the Revised Code, protocols regarding what constitutes a medically significant change to a patient's medical or dental history;

(2) Immediately following the completion of the dental hygiene services and subject to division (B) of this section, direct the patient to a dentist for a clinical evaluation and schedule or cause to be scheduled an appointment for the patient with a dentist.

(B) For purposes of division (A)(2) of this section, the dental hygienist shall make every attempt to schedule the patient's appointment with the dentist not later than six months after the completion of the dental hygiene services. The dental hygienist shall provide the patient with a written notice of the appointment that includes, at a minimum, the dentist's name, address, and telephone number; the date and time of the appointment; and a statement of the dental hygiene services performed by the hygienist. The notice shall be given to the patient or the patient's representative and one copy shall be given to the dentist.

Section 4715.367 | Maximum number of permittees under authorizing dentist.
 

An authorizing dentist shall not at any one time have more than three dental hygienists who hold permits issued under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code working under the dentist's authorization pursuant to section 4715.365 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.368 | List of locations where services are provided.
 

At the request of the state dental board, an authorizing dentist or the dental hygienist who has been authorized to perform dental hygiene services in accordance with section 4715.365 of the Revised Code shall make available to the board a list of all locations where the dental hygienist provided services, the locations where the hygienist plans to provide services in the future, or both, as specified in the board's request.

Section 4715.369 | Expiration of oral health access supervision permit; Renewal.
 

(A) An oral health access supervision permit issued under section 4715.362 of the Revised Code expires on the thirty-first day of December of the odd-numbered year that occurs after the permit's issuance. A dentist who desires to renew a permit shall apply, under oath, to the state dental board on a form prescribed by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code. At the time of application, the dentist shall pay a renewal fee of twenty-five dollars.

(B) The board shall renew an oral health access supervision permit for a two-year period if the dentist submitted a complete application, paid the renewal fee, is in good standing with the board, and verified with the board all of the following:

(1) The locations at which dental hygienists have, under the dentist's authorization, provided services during the two years prior to submission of the renewal application;

(2) The number of patients treated, during the two years prior to submission of the renewal application, by each dental hygienist providing dental hygiene services under the dentist's authorization;

(3) For each number of patients provided under division (B)(2) of this section, the number of patients whom the dentist clinically evaluated following the provision of dental hygiene services by a dental hygienist.

Section 4715.37 | Expiration of permit to practice under dentist's supervision; Renewal.
 

(A) A permit to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist issued under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code expires on the thirty-first day of December of the odd-numbered year that occurs after the permit's issuance. A dental hygienist who desires to renew a permit to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist shall apply, under oath, to the state dental board on a form prescribed by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.372 of the Revised Code. At the time of application, the dental hygienist shall pay a renewal fee of twenty-five dollars.

(B) The state dental board shall renew a permit for a two-year period if the dental hygienist submitted a complete application, paid the renewal fee, is in good standing with the board, and has verified with the board both of the following:

(1) The locations at which the hygienist has provided dental hygiene services under a permit to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist;

(2) The number of patients that the hygienist has treated under a permit during the two years prior to submission of the renewal application.

Section 4715.371 | Directory of permit holders.
 

The state dental board shall develop and publish on its internet web site a directory containing the names and contact information, including electronic mail addresses, of dentists and dental hygienists who hold current, valid permits issued under sections 4715.362 and 4715.363 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.372 | Adoption of rules; Course standards.
 

(A) The state dental board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code as necessary to implement the oral health access supervision program, including rules that do all of the following:

(1) For the purpose of division (G)(19) of section 4715.36 of the Revised Code, designate additional facilities at which a dental hygienist may be authorized to perform dental hygiene services under the oral health access supervision program;

(2) For the purpose of section 4715.362 of the Revised Code, prescribe the application form and requirements for obtaining an oral health access supervision permit;

(3) For the purpose of section 4715.363 of the Revised Code, prescribe the application form for a permit to practice as a dental hygienist under the oral health access supervision of a dentist;

(4) For the purpose of division (B)(3) of section 4715.363 of the Revised Code and subject to division (B) of this section, establish standards for the course in the practice of dental hygiene under oral health access supervision;

(5) For the purpose of section 4715.369 of the Revised Code, prescribe the form for renewal of an oral health access supervision permit;

(6) For the purpose of section 4715.37 of the Revised Code, prescribe the form for renewal of a permit to practice as a dental hygienist under the oral health access supervision of a dentist.

(B) The course in the practice of dental hygiene under oral health access supervision for which the board establishes standards under division (A)(4) of this section shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Be eight hours in length;

(2) Include, at a minimum, instruction in both of the following:

(a) The treatment of geriatric patients, medically compromised patients, developmentally disabled patients, and pediatric patients;

(b) Recordkeeping practices.

(3) Be developed and offered by an institution accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation or a program provided by a sponsor of continuing education approved by the board;

(4) Include content that is separate and independent from the course content required for the completion of dental hygiene education from an accredited dental hygiene school.

Section 4715.373 | Authorized activities.
 

Nothing in sections 4715.36 to 4715.372 of the Revised Code authorizes any activity prohibited by this chapter or prohibited by a rule adopted under this chapter by the state dental board, including the activities prohibited by division (F) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code and the activities prohibited or not authorized by section 4715.23 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.374 | Suspension or revocation of permit.
 

The state dental board may, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, suspend or revoke a permit issued under section 4715.362 or 4715.363 of the Revised Code if the permit holder fails to comply with sections 4715.361 to 4715.373 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.375 | Annual reports.
 

The state dental board shall annually report the status of the oral health access supervision program. The report shall be submitted to the governor and, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, to the general assembly. The report shall specify, for the year covered by the report, at least all of the following:

(A) The number of dentists who applied for and were issued oral health access supervision permits under section 4715.362 of the Revised Code;

(B) The number of dental hygienists who applied for and were issued permits to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist under section 4715.363 of the Revised Code;

(C) The number of dentists who applied for and were granted renewal of oral health access supervision permits under section 4715.369 of the Revised Code;

(D) The number of dental hygienists who applied for and were granted renewal of permits to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist under section 4715.37 of the Revised Code;

(E) The number and geographic locations of facilities at which dental hygienists provided dental hygiene services under permits to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist;

(F) The number of patients who received dental hygiene services from dental hygienists providing services under permits to practice under the oral health access supervision of a dentist;

(G) The number of patients who received a clinical evaluation from a dentist following the provision of dental hygiene services under section 4715.365 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.38 | Fees in excess of statutory amounts.
 

The state dental board, subject to the approval of the controlling board, may establish fees in excess of the amounts provided in sections 4715.01 to 4715.99, inclusive, of the Revised Code, provided that such fees do not exceed the amount permitted by these sections by more than fifty per cent.

Section 4715.39 | Permitted duties.
 

(A) The state dental board may define the duties that may be performed by dental assistants and other individuals designated by the board as qualified personnel. If defined, the duties shall be defined in rules adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The rules may include training and practice standards for dental assistants and other qualified personnel. The standards may include examination and issuance of a certificate. If the board issues a certificate, the recipient shall display the certificate in a conspicuous location in any office in which the recipient is employed to perform the duties authorized by the certificate.

(B) A dental assistant may polish the clinical crowns of teeth if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The dental assistant's polishing activities are limited to the use of a rubber cup attached to a slow-speed rotary dental hand piece to remove soft deposits that build up over time on the crowns of teeth.

(2) The polishing is performed only after a dentist has evaluated the patient and any calculus detected on the teeth to be polished has been removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

(3) The dentist supervising the assistant supervises not more than two dental assistants engaging in polishing activities at any given time.

(4) The dental assistant is certified by the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists.

(5) The dental assistant receives a certificate from the board authorizing the assistant to engage in the polishing activities. The board shall issue the certificate if the individual has successfully completed training in the polishing of clinical crowns through a program accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation or equivalent training approved by the board. The training shall include courses in basic dental anatomy and infection control, followed by a course in coronal polishing that includes didactic, preclinical, and clinical training; any other training required by the board; and a skills assessment that includes successful completion of standardized testing. The board shall adopt rules pursuant to division (A) of this section establishing standards for approval of this training.

The board shall issue a certificate to engage in polishing activities in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to a dental assistant if either of the following applies:

(a) The applicant holds a license or certificate to engage in polishing activities in another state.

(b) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in polishing activities in a state that does not issue that license or certificate.

(C) A dental assistant may apply pit and fissure sealants if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) A dentist evaluates the patient and designates the teeth and surfaces that will benefit from the application of sealant on the day the application is to be performed.

(2) The dental assistant is certified by the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists.

(3) The dental assistant has successfully completed a course in the application of sealants consisting of at least two hours of didactic instruction and six hours of clinical instruction through a program provided by an institution accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation or a program provided by a sponsor of continuing education approved by the board.

(4) The dentist supervising the assistant has observed the assistant successfully apply at least six sealants.

(5) Except as provided in division (D) or (E) of this section, the dentist supervising the assistant checks and approves the application of all sealants placed by the assistant before the patient leaves the location where the sealant application procedure is performed.

(D)(1) A dental assistant who is certified by the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists may provide, for not more than fifteen consecutive business days, all of the following services to a patient when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the services are provided if the conditions specified in division (D)(2) of this section have been satisfied:

(a) Recementation of temporary crowns or recementation of crowns with temporary cement;

(b) Application of fluoride varnish;

(c) Application of disclosing solutions;

(d) Application of desensitizing agents, excluding silver diamine fluoride;

(e) Caries susceptibility testing;

(f) Instruction on oral hygiene home care, including the use of toothbrushes and dental floss.

(2) The conditions that must be satisfied before a dental assistant may provide the services specified in division (D)(1) of this section are all of the following:

(a) The dental assistant has at least one year and a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours of experience practicing as a dental assistant.

(b) The dental assistant has successfully completed a course approved by the state dental board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.

(c) The supervising dentist has evaluated the dental assistant's skills.

(d) The supervising dentist has established written protocols or written standing orders for the dental assistant to follow during and in the absence of an emergency.

(e) The supervising dentist completed and evaluated a medical and dental history of the patient not more than one year prior to the date that the dental assistant provides services to the patient, and the supervising dentist determines that the patient is in a medically stable condition.

(f) The patient is notified, in advance of the appointment for services, that the supervising dentist will be absent from the location and that the dental assistant cannot diagnose the patient's dental health care status.

(g) The dental assistant is employed by, or under contract with, the supervising dentist, a dentist licensed under this chapter who meets one of the criteria specified in division (C)(10)(b) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code, or a government entity that employs the dental assistant to provide services in a public school or in connection with other programs the government entity administers.

(3) A dental assistant who is certified by the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists may apply, for not more than fifteen business days, pit and fissure sealants when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the sealants are to be applied if the dental assistant meets the requirements in divisions (C)(3) and (4) of this section and all of the conditions specified in division (D)(2) of this section have been satisfied.

(E) A dental assistant who is certified by the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists may apply pit and fissure sealants prior to a dentist examining the patient and rendering a diagnosis, and when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the service is provided, if all of the following are the case:

(1) The dental assistant meets the requirements in divisions (C)(3) and (4) of this section.

(2) The conditions specified in divisions (D)(2)(a), (b), (c), (d), (f), and (g) of this section have been satisfied.

(3) The dental assistant is providing the service as part of a program operated through any of the following: a school district board of education or the governing board of an educational service center; the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code; a national, state, district, or local dental association; or any other public or private entity recognized by the state dental board.

(4) A supervising dentist for the program described in division (E)(3) of this section meets both of the following conditions:

(a) Is employed by or a volunteer for, and the patients are referred by, the entity through which the program is operated;

(b) Is available for consultation by telephone, videoconferencing, or other means of electronic communication.

(5) The application of pit and fissure sealants is limited to erupted permanent posterior teeth without suspicion of dentinal cavitation.

(6) If the patient is a minor, a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the patient has been notified that a dentist will not be present at the location and that the dental assistant is not trained to diagnose or treat other serious dental concerns that could exist.

(F) Subject to this section and the applicable rules of the board, licensed dentists may assign to dental assistants and other qualified personnel dental procedures that do not require the professional competence or skill of the licensed dentist, a dental hygienist, or an expanded function dental auxiliary as this section or the board by rule authorizes dental assistants and other qualified personnel to perform. Except as provided in division (D) or (E) of this section, the performance of dental procedures by dental assistants and other qualified personnel shall be under direct supervision and full responsibility of the licensed dentist.

(G) Nothing in this section shall be construed by rule of the state dental board or otherwise to do the following:

(1) Authorize dental assistants or other qualified personnel to engage in the practice of dental hygiene as defined by sections 4715.22 and 4715.23 of the Revised Code or to perform the duties of a dental hygienist, including the removal of calcarious deposits, dental cement, or accretions on the crowns and roots of teeth other than as authorized pursuant to this section;

(2) Authorize dental assistants or other qualified personnel to engage in the practice of an expanded function dental auxiliary as specified in section 4715.64 of the Revised Code or to perform the duties of an expanded function dental auxiliary other than as authorized pursuant to this section.

(3) Authorize the assignment of any of the following:

(a) Diagnosis;

(b) Treatment planning and prescription, including prescription for drugs and medicaments or authorization for restorative, prosthodontic, or orthodontic appliances;

(c) Surgical procedures on hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity, or any other intraoral procedure that contributes to or results in an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy;

(d) The making of final impressions from which casts are made to construct any dental restoration.

(H) No dentist shall assign any dental assistant or other individual acting in the capacity of qualified personnel to perform any dental procedure that the assistant or other individual is not authorized by this section or by board rule to perform. No dental assistant or other individual acting in the capacity of qualified personnel shall perform any dental procedure other than in accordance with this section and any applicable board rule or any dental procedure that the assistant or other individual is not authorized by this section or by board rule to perform.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:36 AM

Section 4715.40 | Effect of child support default on license.
 

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state dental board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4715.41 | Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking.
 

The state dental board shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.42 | Volunteer's certificate.
 

(A)(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Free clinic" has the same meaning as in section 3701.071 of the Revised Code.

(b) "Indigent and uninsured person" and "operation" have the same meanings as in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a person shall be considered retired from practice if the person's license has been surrendered or allowed to expire with the intention of ceasing to practice as a dentist or dental hygienist for remuneration.

(B) Within thirty days after receiving an application for a volunteer's certificate that includes all of the items listed in divisions (C)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, the state dental board shall issue, without examination, a volunteer's certificate to a person who is retired from practice so that the person may provide dental services to indigent and uninsured persons at any location, including a free clinic.

(C) An application for a volunteer's certificate shall include all of the following:

(1) A copy of the applicant's degree from dental college or dental hygiene school.

(2) One of the following, as applicable:

(a) A copy of the applicant's most recent license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene issued by a jurisdiction in the United States that licenses persons to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.

(b) A copy of the applicant's most recent license equivalent to a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in one or more branches of the United States armed services that the United States government issued.

(3) Evidence of one of the following, as applicable:

(a) The applicant has maintained for at least ten years prior to retirement full licensure in good standing in any jurisdiction in the United States that licenses persons to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.

(b) The applicant has practiced as a dentist or dental hygienist in good standing for at least ten years prior to retirement in one or more branches of the United States armed services.

(D) The holder of a volunteer's certificate may provide dental services only to indigent and uninsured persons, but may do so at any location, including a free clinic. The holder shall not accept any form of remuneration for providing dental services while in possession of the certificate. Except in a dental emergency, the holder shall not perform any operation. The board may revoke a volunteer's certificate on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the holder has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the holder's certificate or that there are grounds for action against the person under section 4715.30 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) A volunteer's certificate shall be valid for a period of three years, and may be renewed upon the application of the holder, unless the certificate was previously revoked under division (D) of this section. The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold volunteer's certificates. The board shall not charge a fee for issuing or renewing a certificate pursuant to this section.

(2) To be eligible for renewal of a volunteer's certificate, the holder of the certificate shall certify to the board completion of sixty hours of continuing dental education that meets the requirements of section 4715.141 of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that section, or completion of eighteen hours of continuing dental hygiene education that meets the requirements of section 4715.25 of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that section, as the case may be. The board may not renew a certificate if the holder has not complied with the appropriate continuing education requirements. Any entity for which the holder provides dental services may pay for or reimburse the holder for any costs incurred in obtaining the required continuing education credits.

(3) The board shall issue to each person who qualifies under this section for a volunteer's certificate a wallet certificate and a wall certificate that state that the certificate holder is authorized to provide dental services pursuant to the laws of this state. The holder shall keep the wallet certificate on the holder's person while providing dental services and shall display the wall certificate prominently at the location where the holder primarily practices.

(4) The holder of a volunteer's certificate issued pursuant to this section is subject to the immunity provisions regarding the provision of services to indigent and uninsured persons in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(F) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to administer and enforce this section.

(G) The state dental board shall make available through the board's web site the application form for a volunteer's certificate under this section, a description of the application process, and a list of all items that are required by division (C) of this section to be submitted with the application.

(H) Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a license issued under this section.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:36 AM

Section 4715.421 | [Repealed effective 1/1/2025 by H.B. 509, 134th General Assembly] Temporary dental volunteer's certificate.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Accredited dental college" has the same meaning as in section 4715.10 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Accredited dental hygiene school" has the same meaning as in section 4715.36 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Operation" has the same meaning as in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(B) Within thirty days after receiving an application for a temporary volunteer's certificate that includes all of the items listed in divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section, the state dental board shall issue, without examination, a temporary volunteer's certificate to a person not licensed under this chapter so that the person may provide dental services in this state as a volunteer.

(C) An application for a temporary volunteer's certificate shall include both of the following:

(1) A copy of the applicant's degree from an accredited dental college or accredited dental hygiene school;

(2) One of the following, as applicable:

(a) Evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant holds a valid, unrestricted license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene issued by a jurisdiction in the United States that licenses persons to practice dentistry or dental hygiene;

(b) Evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is practicing dentistry or dental hygiene in one or more branches of the United States armed services.

(D) The holder of a temporary volunteer's certificate shall not accept any form of remuneration for providing dental services pursuant to the certificate. Except in a dental emergency, the holder shall not perform any operation. The board may revoke a temporary volunteer's certificate on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the holder has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the holder's certificate or that there are grounds for action against the person under section 4715.30 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) A temporary volunteer's certificate shall be valid for a period of seven days, and may be renewed upon the application of the holder, unless the certificate was previously revoked under division (D) of this section. The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold a temporary volunteer's certificate. The board may charge a fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars for issuing or renewing a certificate pursuant to this section.

(2) The board shall issue to each person who qualifies under this section for a temporary volunteer's certificate a wallet certificate that states that the certificate holder is authorized to provide dental services pursuant to the laws of this state. The holder shall keep the wallet certificate on the holder's person while providing dental services.

(3) The holder of a temporary volunteer's certificate issued pursuant to this section is subject to the immunity provisions in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(F) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to administer and enforce this section.

(G) Not later than ninety days after March 23, 2015, the state dental board shall make available through the board's internet web site the application form for a temporary volunteer's certificate under this section, a description of the application process, and a list of all items that are required by division (C) of this section to be submitted with the application.

(H) Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to a temporary volunteer's certificate issued under this section.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:21 AM

Section 4715.43 | Teledentistry; definitions; permit.
 

(A) As used in this section and in sections 4715.431 to 4715.437 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Authorizing dentist" means the holder of a current, valid teledentistry permit issued under this section who authorizes a dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary to perform services under section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Dental hygiene services" means the prophylactic, preventive, and other procedures that dentists are authorized by this chapter and rules of the state dental board to assign to dental hygienists, except for procedures while a patient is anesthetized, definitive root planing, definitive subgingival curettage, the administration of local anesthesia, and the procedures specified in rules adopted by the board as described in division (C)(3) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Interim therapeutic restoration" means a direct provisional restoration placed to stabilize a tooth until a licensed dentist can assess the need for further treatment. "Interim therapeutic restoration" includes the removal of debris, other than carious or noncarious tooth structure, from the carious lesion using air or water irrigation.

(4) "Synchronous, real-time communication" means a live, two-way interaction between a patient and a dentist conducted through audiovisual technology.

(5) "Teledentistry" means the delivery of dental services through the use of synchronous, real-time communication and the delivery of services of a dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary pursuant to a dentist's authorization.

(B) A dentist who desires to provide dental services through teledentistry shall apply to the state dental board for a teledentistry permit. The application must be made under oath on a form prescribed by the board and be accompanied by a twenty-dollar application fee. To be eligible for the permit, the dentist must meet the requirements established by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.436 of the Revised Code.

The state dental board shall issue a teledentistry permit to a dentist who is in good standing with the board and satisfies all of the requirements of this section.

Section 4715.431 | Scope of permit.
 

(A) If all of the conditions in division (B) of this section are met, an authorizing dentist may do either of the following under a teledentistry permit without examining a patient in person:

(1) Authorize a dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary to perform services as set forth in division (E) or (F) of this section, as applicable, at a location where no dentist is physically present;

(2) Prescribe a drug that is not a controlled substance for a patient who is at a location where no dentist is physically present.

(B) The conditions that must be met under division (A) of this section are the following:

(1) The authorizing dentist must prepare a written authorization that includes all of the following:

(a) The authorizing dentist's name and permit number;

(b) The name of the dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary;

(c) The patient's name;

(d) The name and address of the location where the services are to be provided;

(e) The date of the authorization;

(f) A statement signed by the dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary agreeing to comply with the written protocols or written standing orders the authorizing dentist establishes, including those for dealing with emergencies;

(g) Any other information the dentist considers appropriate.

(2) Before any dental services are provided all of the following must occur:

(a) The patient is notified that an authorizing dentist will perform a clinical evaluation through teledentistry.

(b) The patient is given an explanation of alternatives to, and the capabilities and limitations of, teledentistry.

(c)(i) Subject to division (B)(2)(c)(ii) of this section, the patient consents to the provision of services through teledentistry and the consent is documented in the patient's record.

(ii) If the services to be provided are the placement of interim therapeutic restorations or the application of silver diamine fluoride, the requirements for informed consent in rules adopted under division (C) of section 4715.436 of the Revised Code have been met.

(3) The authorizing dentist establishes the patient's identity and physical location through synchronous, real-time communication.

(4) The authorizing dentist provides dental services through teledentistry only as is appropriate for the patient and in accordance with appropriate standards of care.

(5) The authorizing dentist establishes a diagnosis and treatment plan and documents it in the patient's record.

(6) The authorizing dentist specifies the services the dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary is authorized to provide to the patient.

(7) The dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary is employed by, or under contract with, one of the following:

(a) The authorizing dentist;

(b) A dentist who is any of the following:

(i) The authorizing dentist's employer;

(ii) A shareholder in a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code of which the authorizing dentist is a shareholder;

(iii) A member or manager of a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code of which the authorizing dentist is a member or manager;

(iv) A shareholder in a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code of which the authorizing dentist is a shareholder;

(v) A partner or employee of a partnership, formed under Chapter 1775. of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a partner or employee;

(vi) A partner or employee of a limited liability partnership, formed under Chapter 1775. of the Revised Code, of which the authorizing dentist is a partner or employee.

(C) A dentist retains responsibility for ensuring the safety and quality of services provided to patients through teledentistry. Services delivered through teledentistry must be consistent with in-person services. Persons involved with providing services through teledentistry must abide by laws addressing the privacy and security of the patient's dental and medical information.

(D) An authorizing dentist may not have more than a total of three dental hygienists and expanded function dental auxiliaries working under the dentist's authorization pursuant to this section at any time.

(E)(1) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, a dental hygienist may provide dental hygiene services at a location where no dentist is physically present if all of the following requirements are met:

(a) The dental hygienist has at least one year and a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours of experience in the practice of dental hygiene.

(b) The dental hygienist has completed a course described in division (C)(2) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code on the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.

(c) The authorizing dentist has evaluated the dental hygienist's skills.

(d) The dental hygienist complies with written protocols or written standing orders established by the authorizing dentist, including written protocols established for emergencies.

(2) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, a dental hygienist may place interim therapeutic restorations when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the dental hygienist is practicing if the requirements of division (E)(1) of this section are met and the dental hygienist has successfully completed a state dental board-approved course in the proper placement of interim therapeutic restorations.

(3) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, a dental hygienist may apply silver diamine fluoride when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the dental hygienist is practicing if the requirements of division (E)(1) of this section are met and the dental hygienist has successfully completed a state dental board-approved course in the application of silver diamine fluoride.

(F)(1) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, an expanded function dental auxiliary may provide the services listed in divisions (A)(2) to (10) of section 4715.64 of the Revised Code, and any additional procedures authorized pursuant to division (A)(11) of that section, when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the expanded function dental auxiliary is practicing if all of the following requirements are met:

(a) The expanded function dental auxiliary has at least one year and a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours of experience practicing as an expanded function dental auxiliary.

(b) The expanded function dental auxiliary has completed a course described in division (C)(2) of section 4715.64 of the Revised Code on the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.

(c) The authorizing dentist has evaluated the expanded function dental auxiliary's skills.

(d) The expanded function dental auxiliary complies with written protocols or written standing orders established by the authorizing dentist, including written protocols for emergencies.

(2) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, an expanded function dental auxiliary who meets the requirements of division (F)(1) of this section and has successfully completed a state dental board-approved course in the proper placement of interim therapeutic restorations may place interim therapeutic restorations when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the expanded function dental auxiliary is practicing.

(3) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, an expanded function dental auxiliary who meets the requirements of division (F)(1) of this section and has successfully completed a state dental board-approved course in the application of silver diamine fluoride may apply silver diamine fluoride when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the expanded function dental auxiliary is practicing.

(4) If authorized to do so by an authorizing dentist in accordance with this section, an expanded function dental auxiliary who meets the requirements of division (F)(1) of this section and holds a current, valid dental x-ray machine operator certificate issued by the board pursuant to section 4715.53 of the Revised Code may perform, for the purpose of contributing to the provision of dental care to a dental patient, standard, diagnostic radiologic procedures when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the expanded function dental auxiliary is practicing.

Last updated September 10, 2021 at 12:03 PM

Section 4715.432 | Expiration; renewal.
 

A teledentistry permit issued under section 4715.43 of the Revised Code expires on the thirty-first day of December of the first odd-numbered year occurring after the permit's issuance. A dentist who desires to renew a permit shall apply, under oath, to the state dental board on a form prescribed by the board and pay a renewal fee of twenty dollars.

The board shall renew a teledentistry permit for a two- year period if the dentist is in good standing with the board and meets all of the following conditions:

(A) Submits a complete application;

(B) Pays the renewal fee;

(C) Verifies with the board the locations where dental hygienists and expanded function dental auxiliaries have provided services pursuant to the dentist's authorization since the teledentistry permit was most recently issued or renewed.

Section 4715.433 | Suspension or revocation.
 

The state dental board may, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, suspend or revoke a permit issued under section 4715.43 of the Revised Code if the permit holder fails to comply with sections 4715.431 to 4715.437 of the Revised Code, including any rules adopted by the board under section 4715.346 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.434 | List of locations.
 

At the request of the state dental board, an authorizing dentist, or a dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary who has been authorized to perform services in accordance with section 4715.431 of the Revised Code, shall make available to the board a list of all locations where the dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary provided services, the locations where the hygienist or auxiliary is expected to provide services in the future, or both, as specified in the board's request.

Section 4715.435 | Authorized persons.
 

(A) No person shall provide services under section 4715.431 of the Revised Code unless one of the following applies:

(1) The person is a dentist who holds a current, valid teledentistry permit issued under section 4715.43 of the Revised Code.

(2) The person is providing services in accordance with section 4715.431 of the Revised Code and is either a dental hygienist or an expanded function dental auxiliary.

(B) No person shall authorize a dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary to provide services under section 4715.431 of the Revised Code unless the person is a dentist who holds a current, valid teledentistry permit issued under section 4715.43 of the Revised Code and the dental hygienist or expanded function dental hygienist will provide the services in accordance with division (E) or (F) of section 4715.431 of the Revised Code, as appropriate.

(C) No authorizing dentist shall authorize a dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary to diagnose a patient's oral health care status.

No dental hygienist or expanded function dental auxiliary shall diagnose a patient's oral health care status as part of services provided under section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.436 | Rules.
 

The state dental board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code as it considers necessary to implement sections 4715.43 to 4715.435 of the Revised Code. The rules shall include all of the following:

(A) Requirements that must be met for issuance of a teledentistry permit under section 4715.43 of the Revised Code;

(B) Approval of courses on the proper placement of interim therapeutic restorations and the application of silver diamine fluoride, as authorized under section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

(C) Requirements for obtaining informed consent for the placement of interim therapeutic restorations or the application of silver diamine fluoride when the patient is not examined in person by a dentist and the services are provided under a teledentistry permit, as described in section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

The rules may specify procedures a dental hygienist is not permitted to perform when practicing in the absence of the authorizing dentist pursuant to section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.437 | Construction of teledentistry provisions.
 

Nothing in sections 4715.43 to 4715.436 of the Revised Code authorizes any activity prohibited by division (F) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code, prohibited or not authorized by section 4715.23 of the Revised Code, or prohibited by this chapter or a rule adopted by the state dental board under this chapter.

Section 4715.438 | Laws and rules not altered by H.B. 122 of the 134th General Assembly.
 

Nothing in H.B. 122 of the 134th general assembly shall be interpreted as altering any law related to the practice of dentistry or rule adopted by the state dental board that is in effect on the effective date of this section.

Last updated January 27, 2022 at 3:16 PM

Section 4715.51 | Dental x-ray machine operator definitions.
 

As used in sections 4715.52 to 4715.57 of the Revised Code, "dental x-ray machine operator" means an individual who, under the direct supervision of a dentist, performs standard, diagnostic, radiologic procedures for the purpose of contributing to the provision of dental care to a dental patient. As used in this section, "standard, diagnostic, radiologic procedures" means those procedures involved in using dental equipment that emits ionizing radiation, as defined in section 4773.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.52 | Unlicensed practice.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person shall practice or hold that person out as a dental x-ray machine operator without a valid certificate issued under section 4715.53 of the Revised Code.

(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Dentists or dental hygienists licensed under this chapter;

(2) As specified in 42 C.F.R. 75, radiologic personnel employed by the federal government or serving in a branch of the armed forces of the United States;

(3) Students engaging in any of the activities performed by dental x-ray machine operators as an integral part of a program of study leading to receipt of a license or certificate issued under this chapter or a license issued under Chapter 4731., 4734., or 4773. of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.53 | License qualifications.
 

(A) Each individual seeking a certificate to practice as a dental x-ray machine operator shall apply to the state dental board on a form the board shall prescribe and provide. Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the application shall be accompanied by an application fee of thirty-two dollars.

(B) The board shall review all applications received and, except as provided in division (C) of this section, issue a dental x-ray machine operator certificate to each applicant who submits evidence satisfactory to the board of one of the following:

(1) The applicant holds certification from the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists.

(2) The applicant has successfully completed an educational program consisting of at least seven hours of instruction in dental x-ray machine operation that meets either of the following requirements:

(a) Has been approved by the board in accordance with section 4715.57 of the Revised Code;

(b) Is conducted by an institution accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation.

(C) The board shall issue a certificate in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant holds a license or certificate in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a dental x-ray machine operator in a state that does not issue that license or certificate.

(D) A certificate issued under this section expires two years after it is issued and may be renewed if the certificate holder does both of the following:

(1) Certifies to the board that the certificate holder has completed at least two hours of instruction in dental x-ray machine operation approved by the board in accordance with section 4715.57 of the Revised Code during the two-year period preceding the date the renewal application is received by the board.

(2) Submits a renewal fee of thirty-two dollars to the board.

Renewals shall be made in accordance with the standard renewal procedure established under Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:35 AM

Section 4715.56 | Dentist supervision of radiologic procedures.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, a dental x-ray machine operator may perform radiologic procedures only if a dentist is providing direct supervision. Direct supervision does not require the dentist to observe each radiologic procedure performed by the operator, but does require that the dentist be present at the location where the operator is performing radiologic procedures for purposes of consulting with and directing the operator while performing the procedures.

(B) A dental x-ray machine operator may perform radiologic procedures for a patient when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the radiologic procedures are performed if either of the following applies:

(1) The supervising dentist examined the patient not more than one year prior to the date the dental x-ray machine operator performs the radiologic procedures and the supervising dentist has ordered the radiologic procedures.

(2) The radiologic procedures are performed in accordance with section 4715.431 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.57 | Continuing education accreditation.
 

(A) Each person seeking approval for an educational program in dental x-ray machine operation shall apply to the state dental board on a form the board shall prescribe and provide. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established in rules adopted under division (C) of this section.

(B) The board shall approve educational programs that meet the standards established in rules adopted under division (C) of this section. The approval shall be valid until surrendered by the program or suspended or revoked by the board. A program's approval may be suspended or revoked if the program does not comply with applicable requirements of this chapter or rules adopted under it.

(C) The board shall adopt rules to implement and administer this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and shall be no less stringent than any applicable standards specified in 42 C.F.R. 75. The rules shall do at least both of the following:

(1) Establish the fee that must accompany each application for approval of an educational program;

(2) Establish standards that an educational program must meet to be approved by the board.

Section 4715.61 | Registration as expanded function dental auxiliary required.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person shall practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary without being registered under this chapter as an expanded function dental auxiliary.

(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A dentist licensed under this chapter;

(2) A dental student who engages in any activities performed by expanded function dental auxiliaries as an integral part of a program of study leading to the receipt of a license to practice as a dentist under this chapter;

(3) An expanded function dental auxiliary student when the student participates in an educational or training activity of an accredited educational institution or a training program that does both of the following:

(a) Provides the education or training necessary to practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary;

(b) Ensures that a dentist licensed under this chapter, or a dentist who holds a limited teaching license issued under this chapter, is physically present in the facility where the expanded function dental auxiliary performs clinical dental procedures on patients.

Section 4715.62 | Application to register as expanded function dental auxiliary.
 

(A) Each individual seeking to register with the state dental board as an expanded function dental auxiliary shall file with the secretary of the board a written application for registration, under oath, on a form the board shall prescribe and provide. Except as provided in division (C) of this section, an applicant shall include with the completed application all of the following:

(1) An application fee of twenty-five dollars;

(2) Proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed, at an educational institution accredited by the commission on dental accreditation of the American dental association or the higher learning commission of the north central association of colleges and schools, the education or training specified by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.66 of the Revised Code as the education or training that is necessary to obtain registration under this chapter to practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary, as evidenced by a diploma or other certificate of graduation or completion that has been signed by an appropriate official of the accredited institution that provided education or training;

(3) Proof satisfactory to the board that the applicant has passed an examination that meets the standards established by the board in rules adopted under section 4715.66 of the Revised Code to be accepted by the board as an examination of competency to practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary;

(4) Proof that the applicant holds current certification to perform basic life-support procedures, evidenced by documentation showing the successful completion of a basic life-support training course certified by the American red cross, the American heart association, or the American safety and health institute.

(B) If an applicant complies with division (A) of this section, the board shall register the applicant as an expanded function dental auxiliary.

(C) The board shall register an applicant in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant is licensed or registered as an expanded function dental auxiliary in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as an expanded function dental auxiliary in a state that does not issue that license or registration.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:34 AM

Section 4715.63 | Expiration and renewal of expanded function dental auxiliary registration.
 

(A) Registration under section 4715.62 of the Revised Code expires on the thirty-first day of December of the year following the year in which the registration occurs. An individual may renew a registration for subsequent two-year periods by submitting both of the following to the secretary of the state dental board each time the individual seeks to renew a registration:

(1) A completed application for renewal, under oath, on a form the board shall prescribe and provide;

(2) A renewal fee of twenty-five dollars.

(B) If an individual complies with division (A) of this section and is not in violation of any section of this chapter or rule adopted under it, the board shall renew the individual's registration for a two-year period that expires on the thirty-first day of December of the year following the year in which the registration was renewed.

(C) Registration renewals shall be made in accordance with the standard renewal procedure established under Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.64 | Practice as expanded function dental auxiliary.
 

(A) Subject to divisions (B), (C), and (D) of this section and section 4715.431 of the Revised Code, the practice of an expanded function dental auxiliary shall consist of the following:

(1) Procedures involved in the placement of restorative materials limited to amalgam restorative materials and nonmetallic restorative materials, including direct-bonded restorative materials;

(2) Application of pit and fissure sealants;

(3) Recementation of temporary crowns or recementation of crowns with temporary cement;

(4) Application of topical fluoride;

(5) Application of fluoride varnish;

(6) Application of disclosing solutions;

(7) Except as provided in division (A)(10) of this section, application of desensitizing agents;

(8) Caries susceptibility testing;

(9) Instruction on oral hygiene home care, including the use of toothbrushes and dental floss;

(10) Application of silver diamine fluoride, but only when the expanded function dental auxiliary's supervising dentist has examined the patient and diagnosed the need for such treatment and the expanded function dental auxiliary has completed a course approved in accordance with rules adopted under division (B) of section 4715.436 of the Revised Code;

(11) Any additional procedures authorized by the state dental board in rules adopted under section 4715.66 of the Revised Code.

(B) An expanded function dental auxiliary shall perform the services specified in divisions (A)(1) and (11) of this section only under the supervision, order, control, and full responsibility of a dentist licensed under this chapter. At no time shall more than two expanded function dental auxiliaries be practicing as expanded function dental auxiliaries under the supervision of the same dentist. Except as provided in divisions (C) and (D) of this section and section 4715.431 of the Revised Code, an expanded function dental auxiliary shall not practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the expanded function dental auxiliary is practicing.

(C) An expanded function dental auxiliary may perform, for not more than fifteen consecutive business days, the application of pit and fissure sealants when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the expanded function dental auxiliary is practicing if all of the following conditions have been satisfied:

(1) The expanded function dental auxiliary has at least one year and a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours of experience practicing as an expanded function dental auxiliary or dental assistant.

(2) The expanded function dental auxiliary has successfully completed a course approved by the board in the identification and prevention of potential medical emergencies.

(3) The supervising dentist has evaluated the expanded function dental auxiliary's skills.

(4) The supervising dentist has established written protocols or written standing orders for the expanded function dental auxiliary to follow during and in the absence of an emergency.

(5) The supervising dentist completed and evaluated a medical and dental history of the patient not more than one year prior to the date that the expanded function dental auxiliary provides services to the patient, and the supervising dentist determines that the patient is in a medically stable condition.

(6) In advance of the appointment for services, the patient is notified that the supervising dentist will be absent from the location and that the expanded function dental auxiliary cannot diagnose the patient's dental health care status.

(7) The expanded function dental auxiliary is employed by, or under contract with, the supervising dentist, a dentist licensed under this chapter who meets one of the criteria specified in division (C)(10)(b) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code, or a government entity that employs the expanded function dental auxiliary to provide services in a public school or in connection with other programs the government entity administers.

(D) An expanded function dental auxiliary may apply pit and fissure sealants prior to a dentist examining the patient and rendering a diagnosis, and when a dentist is not physically present at the location where the service is provided, if all of the following are the case:

(1) The conditions specified in divisions (C)(1), (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7) of this section have been satisfied.

(2) The expanded function dental auxiliary is providing the service as part of a program operated through any of the following: a school district board of education or the governing board of an educational service center; the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code; a national, state, district, or local dental association; or any other public or private entity recognized by the state dental board.

(3) A supervising dentist for the program described in division (D)(2) of this section meets both of the following conditions:

(a) Is employed by or a volunteer for, and the patients are referred by, the entity through which the program is operated;

(b) Is available for consultation by telephone, videoconferencing, or other means of electronic communication.

(4) The application of pit and fissure sealants is limited to erupted permanent posterior teeth without suspicion of cavitation.

(5) If the patient is a minor, a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the patient has been notified that a dentist will not be present at the location and that the expanded function dental auxiliary is not trained to diagnose or treat other serious dental concerns that could exist.

(E) An expanded function dental auxiliary may perform the services specified in divisions (A)(3) to (9) of this section when the supervising dentist is not physically present at the location where the services are provided, regardless of whether the dentist has examined the patient, if the expanded function dental auxiliary is employed by, or under contract with, the supervising dentist, a dentist licensed under this chapter who meets one of the criteria specified in division (C)(10)(b) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code, or a government entity that employs the expanded function dental auxiliary to provide services in a public school or in connection with other programs the government entity administers.

(F) Nothing in this section shall be construed by rule of the board or otherwise to authorize an expanded function dental auxiliary to engage in the practice of dental hygiene as defined by sections 4715.22 and 4715.23 of the Revised Code.

Section 4715.65 | Record of expanded function dental auxiliary registrants.
 

The secretary of the state dental board shall keep a record of all persons registered under this chapter as expanded function dental auxiliaries. For each expanded function dental auxiliary, the record shall identify the location where the person primarily practices and the person's one or more supervising dentists.

Section 4715.66 | Rules governing expanded function dental auxiliaries.
 

(A) The state dental board shall adopt rules as the board considers necessary to implement and administer sections 4715.61 to 4715.64 of the Revised Code. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(B) In adopting rules under this section, all of the following apply:

(1) The board shall adopt rules specifying the education or training necessary for an individual to register as an expanded function dental auxiliary under this chapter.

(2) The board shall adopt rules specifying the standards that must be met for an examination to be accepted by the board as an examination of competency to practice as an expanded function dental auxiliary. In specifying the standards, the board shall provide that an examination will be accepted only if the entity that administered the examination required an individual to be one of the following as a condition of admission to the examination:

(a) An unlicensed dentist who has graduated from an accredited dental college, as specified in section 4715.10 of the Revised Code, and does not have a dental license under suspension or revocation by the board;

(b) A dental student who is enrolled in an accredited dental college, as specified in section 4715.10 of the Revised Code, and is considered by the dean of the college to be in good standing as a dental student;

(c) A graduate of a dental college located outside of the United States;

(d) A dental assistant who is certified by the dental assisting national board, the Ohio commission on dental assistant certification, or the American medical technologists;

(e) A dental hygienist licensed under this chapter whose license is in good standing;

(f) An unlicensed dental hygienist who has graduated from an accredited dental hygiene school, as specified in section 4715.21 of the Revised Code, and does not have a dental hygienist license under suspension or revocation by the board.

(3) The board may adopt rules specifying procedures an expanded function dental auxiliary may perform that are in addition to the procedures specified in divisions (A)(1) to (10) of section 4715.64 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 20, 2022 at 9:05 AM

Section 4715.70 | Mobile dental facilities - definitions.
 

As used in this section and sections 4715.71 to 4715.73 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Dental hygiene services" means the prophylactic, preventive, and other procedures that dentists are authorized by this chapter and rules of the state dental board to assign to dental hygienists, except for procedures while a patient is anesthetized, definitive root planing, definitive subgingival curettage, the administration of local anesthesia, and the procedures specified in rules adopted by the board as described in division (C)(4) of section 4715.22 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) "Minor" means an individual under eighteen years of age who is not emancipated.

(2) For purposes of this division, an individual under eighteen years of age is emancipated only if the individual has married, has entered the armed services of the United States, has become employed and self-sustaining, or otherwise has become independent from the care and control of the individual's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(C) "Mobile dental facility" means either of the following:

(1) A self-contained, intact facility in which dentistry or dental hygiene is practiced that may be transported from one location to another;

(2) A site used on a temporary basis to provide dental or dental hygiene services using portable equipment.

(D) "Mobile dental facility operator" means a dentist licensed under this chapter who operates a mobile dental facility.

(E) "Patient's representative" means a person who has authority to make health care decisions on behalf of an adult or emancipated minor, or the parent, legal guardian, or other person acting in loco parentis who is authorized by law to make health care decisions on behalf of a minor.

Section 4715.71 | Mobile dental facilities - information to patients.
 

Except as provided in section 4715.73 of the Revised Code, a mobile dental facility operator or the operator's representative shall provide each patient receiving dental or dental hygiene services at a mobile dental facility, or the patient's representative, with all of the following:

(A) The name of each individual who arranged for or provided dental or dental hygiene services to the patient;

(B) The telephone number to reach the mobile dental facility operator or operator's representative in case of an emergency;

(C) A list of dental or dental hygiene services provided to the patient;

(D) Any recommendations regarding further dental or dental hygiene services that are advisable;

(E) A notice to the patient that the facility must provide access to the patient's complete dental records in accordance with Chapter 3798. of the Revised Code and applicable federal laws;

(F) Instructions for requesting a copy or transfer of the patient's records.

Section 4715.72 | Mobile dental facilities - information to board and treatment venues.
 

Except as provided in section 4715.73 of the Revised Code, a mobile dental facility operator or the operator's representative shall notify the state dental board and all treatment venues not later than fourteen days after either of the following occurs:

(A) There is a change in the address or telephone number of the operator.

(B) The mobile dental facility ceases to operate.

The notice must be provided in writing.

Section 4715.73 | Mobile dental facilities - exceptions.
 

Sections 4715.71 and 4715.72 of the Revised Code do not apply to a mobile dental facility that is under the control or management of any of the following, when the only services provided by the mobile dental facility are the placement of pit and fissure sealants and the application of fluoride varnish:

(A) A program operated through a school district board of education or the governing board of an educational service center;

(B) The board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code;

(C) Any other public or private entity that is under contract with the department of health and recognized by the state dental board.

Section 4715.99 | Penalty.
 

(A) Whoever violates section 4715.17 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on each subsequent offense.

(B) Whoever violates section 4715.18 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(C) Whoever violates section 4715.09, 4715.19, 4715.20, 4715.29, 4715.32, 4715.39, 4715.52, or 4715.61 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense and a felony of the fifth degree on each subsequent offense.

(D) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter for which no specific penalty has been prescribed is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree on each subsequent offense.