Occupations Code § 265.003

Sec. 265.003. PERMITTED DUTIES. (a) A dental assistant who is not registered under this chapter may be employed by and work in the office of a licensed and practicing dentist and perform one or more delegated dental acts under: (1) the direct supervision, direction, and responsibility of the dentist, including the application of fluoride varnish; or (2) the general supervision, direction, and responsibility of the dentist, limited to: (A) the making of dental x-rays in compliance with Section 265.001(d); and (B) the provision of interim treatment of a minor emergency dental condition to an existing patient of the treating dentist. (a-1) A treating dentist who delegates the provision of interim treatment of a minor emergency dental condition to a dental assistant under Subsection (a)(2) shall: (1) delegate the procedure orally or in writing before the dental assistant performs the procedure; (2) retain responsibility for the procedure; and (3) schedule a follow-up appointment with the patient within a reasonable time. (b) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 295 (S.B. 313), Sec. 48(8), eff. September 1, 2017. (c) A delegating dentist remains responsible for the dental acts of a registered or nonregistered dental assistant performing the delegated dental acts. (d) A dental assistant to whom a delegation is made may not represent to the public that the dental assistant is authorized to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1470, Sec. 4.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1144, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 476 (S.B. 455), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 295 (S.B. 313), Sec. 39, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 295 (S.B. 313), Sec. 48(8), eff. September 1, 2017.