Sec. 262.151.  DELEGATION OF DUTIES BY DENTIST.  (a)  A licensed dentist may delegate orally or in writing a service, task, or procedure to a dental hygienist who is under the supervision and responsibility of the dentist, if:
(1)  the dental hygienist is licensed to perform the service, task, or procedure;
(2)  the supervising dentist examines the patient:
(A)  at the time the service, task, or procedure is performed by the dental hygienist;  or
(B)  during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of performance of the service, task, or procedure by the dental hygienist;  and
(3)  the dental hygienist does not:
(A)  diagnose a dental disease or ailment;
(B)  prescribe a treatment or a regimen;
(C)  prescribe, order, or dispense medication;  or
(D)  perform any procedure that is irreversible or involves the intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue by any means.
(b)  A licensed dentist may delegate to a dental hygienist any act that a dentist may delegate to a dental assistant.
(c)  A dentist is not required to be on the premises when the dental hygienist performs a delegated act.
(d)  This chapter does not prevent a dentist from authorizing a dental hygienist employed by the dentist to:
(1)  instruct and educate a patient in proper oral hygiene;  or
(2)  provide to a patient a medication ordered by the dentist.
(e)  This chapter does not prevent a dental hygienist from incidentally removing cementum during root planing.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.