Delegation, auxiliary roles, and advertising restrictions
The final domain tests boundaries between licensed and unlicensed personnel and the rules for truthful advertising. Connecticut allows dentists to delegate certain tasks to qualified auxiliaries, but delegation cannot create an unlicensed hygiene practice. Advertising must not mislead the public about credentials, specialties, or independence.
Delegation and auxiliary roles
- A dentist may delegate tasks to dental assistants or other auxiliaries only as authorized by statute and regulation; the delegating dentist retains responsibility.
- Dental hygiene services such as scaling, root planing, and prophylaxis must be performed by a licensed dental hygienist unless a specific exception applies.
- A hygienist may not delegate hygiene procedures to an unlicensed assistant or allow an assistant to represent herself as a hygienist.
- Radiographs and expanded functions may be delegated only to personnel with the required training, certification, or supervision.
- The hygienist should verify the auxiliary's legal authority before relying on that person to perform a task.
Advertising restrictions
- Advertising must be truthful and not false, deceptive, or misleading.
- A licensee may use the title "Registered Dental Hygienist" or "RDH" if licensed; an unlicensed person may not.
- Do not claim specialty status unless the licensee holds the recognized specialty credential and any required Connecticut authorization.
- Do not imply independent practice when the law requires supervision or a collaborative agreement.
- Testimonials and price claims must not create misleading expectations.
Worked example
An office advertises "Gentle Hygiene Specialist" and states that clients can see the hygienist without any dentist involvement. The hygienist practices under general supervision in a private office. The advertisement is misleading because it implies independent practice and specialty status. The office should correct the ad to state the actual licensure and supervision arrangement and avoid the unearned specialty term.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming a trained assistant may perform any task the dentist delegates.
- Letting an assistant perform scaling because the hygienist is behind schedule.
- Using "specialist" as a marketing word without the legal specialty credential.
- Advertising "no dentist needed" when Connecticut law requires supervision or a collaborative setting.
- Failing to correct a misleading ad after notice.
Exam focus
Identify who may legally perform the task, what credential they hold, and what the advertisement actually implies to a reasonable patient. Delegation and advertising are both truth-and-authority issues.