Sec. 11. A person is deemed to be practicing dental hygiene within the meaning of this chapter who:

(1) uses the titles “Licensed Dental Hygienist”, “Dental Hygienist”, or the letters “L.D.H.”, “R.D.H.”, or “D.H.” in connection with his or her name;

Terms Used In Indiana Code 25-13-1-11

  • Dental hygienist: means one who is especially educated and trained in the science and art of maintaining the dental health of the individual or community through prophylactic or preventive measures applied to the teeth and adjacent structures. See Indiana Code 25-13-1-2
  • Employer dentist: means a proprietor dentist who employs at least one (1) dental hygienist to supplement the proprietor dentist's dental service to the proprietor dentist's clientele. See Indiana Code 25-13-1-2
(2) holds himself or herself out to the public in any manner that he or she can or will render services as a dental hygienist;

(3) removes calcific deposits or accretions from the surfaces of human teeth or cleans or polishes such teeth;

(4) applies and uses within the patient’s mouth such antiseptic sprays, washes, or medicaments for the control or prevention of dental caries as his or her employer dentist may direct;

(5) treats gum disease;

(6) uses impressions and x-ray photographs for treatment purposes; or

(7) administers local dental anesthetics or nitrous oxide, except for the administration of local dental anesthetics or nitrous oxide by:

(A) a dentist as provided in IC 25-14-1-23(a)(6);

(B) a physician licensed under IC 25-22.5; or

(C) a dental assistant (as defined in IC 25-14-1-1.5(4)) in compliance with section 10.7 of this chapter.

Formerly: Acts 1945, c.90, s.11; Acts 1963, c.112, s.4; Acts 1971, P.L.371, SEC.5. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.117; P.L.155-1988, SEC.5; P.L.134-2008, SEC.22; P.L.264-2013, SEC.4; P.L.35-2020, SEC.5.

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