AL Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence cheat sheet

The Alabama Dental Practice Act is codified in Ala. Code §§ 34-9-1 through 34-9-43.

The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama consists of 9 members: 6 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 consumer member.

Board members are appointed by the Governor and serve 5-year terms; hygienist members must be actively licensed and in good standing.

The Board has authority to adopt rules, conduct hearings, issue licenses, and discipline licensees.

The Board must meet at least once annually; special meetings may be called by the President or by written request of 3 members.

A quorum for the Board is a majority of members (5 of 9).

The Board administers exams, sets fees, and approves continuing education providers.

The Alabama Dental Hygiene Committee (a subcommittee) advises the Board on hygiene matters and consists of 3 hygienists and 2 dentists.

Licensure by examination requires graduation from an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program and passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical exam (e.g., CRDTS or WREB).

Licensure by credentials requires an active license in another state with equivalent requirements and at least 5 years of clinical experience.

Licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years (biennial renewal).

Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education per biennium, including 2 hours of infection control and 2 hours of ethics.

Late renewal within 60 days after expiration incurs a penalty fee; after 60 days, reinstatement may require additional CE and fees.

A license may be placed on inactive status upon written request; inactive licensees may not practice and must pay a biennial fee.

Temporary licenses may be issued to hygienists licensed in another state for a limited period (e.g., 6 months) while pursuing Alabama licensure.

Licensees must report name or address changes to the Board within 30 days.

Dental hygienists may perform prophylactic procedures, scaling and root planing, and application of topical fluorides and sealants.

Hygienists may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia only after completing Board-approved training and under direct supervision of a dentist.

Hygienists may take radiographs and perform dental hygiene assessments, including periodontal charting.

Hygienists may not diagnose, prescribe, or perform irreversible procedures such as crown preparation or extraction.

Hygienists may place and carve amalgam restorations only under direct supervision and if the dentist has verified competency.

Hygienists may perform coronal polishing and fluoride varnish application without prior dentist examination in certain public health settings (see collaborative practice).

Hygienists must practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist, except as allowed by collaborative practice or public health exemptions.

Hygienists may provide oral health education and nutritional counseling.

Direct supervision: dentist must be physically present in the office and examine the patient before and after treatment.

Indirect supervision: dentist must be in the office but need not examine the patient before treatment.

General supervision: dentist has authorized treatment but is not required to be on-site; patient must have been examined within the past 12 months.

Collaborative practice (Alabama) allows hygienists to practice under a collaborative agreement with a dentist in certain settings (e.g., schools, nursing homes) without prior examination.

Collaborative practice requires the hygienist to have at least 1 year of clinical experience and a written agreement with a dentist.

The collaborative agreement must include protocols for referral, emergency care, and record sharing.

Hygienists providing services under general supervision must have a dentist available for consultation by phone.

Public health hygienists may provide services without a prior examination in specified public health programs.

Alabama follows CDC guidelines for infection control in dental settings, including standard precautions for all patients.

Hand hygiene: use alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water before and after patient contact; wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and gowns; change gloves between patients.

Sterilization of critical instruments: clean, package, and autoclave at 121°C (250°F) for 15-20 minutes at 15 psi, or use a validated sterilizer.

Monitor sterilizers weekly with biological indicators (spore tests); maintain logs for at least 3 years.

Use EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for surface disinfection; follow contact time.

Handle sharps safely; dispose in puncture-resistant, labeled containers; do not recap needles.

Report needlestick injuries immediately and follow post-exposure prophylaxis protocols.

Patient records must be maintained for at least 5 years from the date of last treatment (Alabama Board Rule).

Records must include patient identification, medical history, clinical findings, treatment rendered, and informed consent documentation.

Informed consent must be obtained before treatment; it requires disclosure of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the opportunity to ask questions.

For minors, consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.

Patient information is confidential and may not be disclosed without written authorization, except as required by law (e.g., subpoena, public health reporting).

HIPAA privacy rules apply to dental practices; patients have the right to access their records and request amendments.

Records may be transferred to another dentist upon patient request; the patient may be charged a reasonable copying fee.

Retain records for minors until age of majority plus the retention period.

Unprofessional conduct includes practicing beyond scope, incompetence, fraud, substance abuse, and violating infection control standards.

The Board may impose sanctions: reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, or fines.

Disciplinary process: complaint, investigation, notice of charges, hearing, and appeal to circuit court.

Licensees must report any adverse action taken by another state or agency within 30 days.

The Board may summarily suspend a license if there is an imminent danger to public health.

Failure to cooperate with a Board investigation is grounds for discipline.

Mandatory reporting: licensees must report suspected child abuse or neglect.

A licensee may be disciplined for practicing while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and must include the licensee's name and license type.

Fee splitting with unlicensed persons is prohibited.

Soliciting patients through false or deceptive advertising is unprofessional conduct.

Offering discounts or free services is allowed if not misleading and if the offer is clearly stated.

Hygienists may not pay or receive payment for patient referrals (kickbacks).

Advertise specialty only if the dentist has completed an ADA-recognized specialty program.

Patients must be informed of fees before treatment; a written treatment plan and fee estimate should be provided.

Ethical practice includes maintaining patient confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and avoiding conflicts of interest.