KY Dental Juris key terms

The statutory set of acts reserved to licensed dentists, including diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, and restoration of teeth and oral structures, plus prescribing and supervising delegated procedures.

The legally permitted boundary of procedures and responsibilities for a given license type, set by statute and board regulation rather than by an employer's job description.

A separately licensed auxiliary who performs preventive and therapeutic services such as scaling, polishing, and patient education, with duties and supervision levels fixed by statute and board rule.

An unlicensed or certified auxiliary who supports chairside care and may perform only those expanded functions the board has expressly authorized, always under required supervision.

A supervision level in which the dentist is physically present on the premises, has authorized the procedure in advance, and is available to examine the patient during and after treatment.

A supervision level in which the dentist has authorized the procedure but need not be physically present while it is performed, though responsibility and availability for follow-up remain with the dentist.

The dentist's assignment of a specific procedure to an auxiliary. Only tasks the board has designated as delegable may be assigned, and the dentist retains legal responsibility for the outcome.

Additional procedures, such as certain restorative or orthodontic tasks, that an auxiliary may perform only after completing board-approved training and certification and only under the supervision level specified.

The periodic process by which a dentist or hygienist keeps an active license, typically requiring a renewal application, fee payment, and attestation of completed continuing education.

Credit hours earned through approved coursework that must be completed each renewal cycle. Records must be retained and produced on audit, and certain topic hours may be mandated.

The board's random or targeted request that a licensee document the continuing education hours claimed on renewal. Failure to substantiate can result in discipline for falsification or noncompliance.

A license that has expired because renewal requirements were not met. Practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice and exposes the licensee to discipline and possible reinstatement conditions.

Performing acts reserved to licensed dental professionals without a valid license or beyond an exemption. It is a statutory violation subject to civil and criminal penalties, not merely a board matter.

The enumerated statutory bases on which the board may sanction a licensee, such as incompetence, fraud in obtaining a license, unprofessional conduct, or violation of board rules.

Behavior falling below the standards expected of a licensee, including dishonesty, practicing while impaired, gross negligence, patient exploitation, and record falsification, whether or not it is criminal.

A physical or mental condition, including substance use disorder, that compromises a licensee's ability to practice safely. It is both a disciplinary ground and a basis for referral to a monitoring program.

A confidential alternative to discipline in which a licensee with impairment agrees to treatment, monitoring, and random testing in exchange for deferred or limited disciplinary action.

The board-mandated practices for preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens, covering hand hygiene, barrier use, instrument processing, and surface disinfection in the dental setting.

The validated process that destroys all microbial life on instruments, verified through indicators, spore testing, and proper packaging and storage rather than by chemical disinfection alone.

A written workplace document identifying tasks with bloodborne pathogen risk and specifying engineering controls, protective equipment, training, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up procedures.

The contemporaneous documentation of evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and communication for each patient, which the licensee must retain for the period set by rule and produce on board request.

The minimum period a licensee must keep patient records after the last treatment or after a patient reaches majority, whichever is later, as fixed by statute or board regulation.

A patient's voluntary agreement after being told the diagnosis, proposed treatment, material risks, alternatives including no treatment, and likely consequences, documented in the record.

The duty to protect patient health information from unauthorized disclosure, subject to exceptions such as treatment coordination, required reporting, and legal process.

The federal privacy and security framework governing protected health information held by covered entities, including dental practices, and imposing safeguards, notice, and breach-notification duties.

The principle that uses and disclosures of protected health information should be limited to the least amount reasonably needed to accomplish the intended purpose.

The licensee's statutory power to order drugs and devices within the lawful scope of dental practice, which requires a documented evaluation and a legitimate dental purpose.

A drug scheduled under federal and state law because of abuse potential, subject to registration, prescribing limits, secure storage, and reporting obligations.

Kentucky's prescription drug monitoring system, which licensees must query in specified circumstances before prescribing certain controlled substances and which the board may use in investigations.

Paying or receiving a share of professional fees for patient referrals or in exchange for sending patients, which is generally prohibited unless a statutory exception applies.

Public communication about services that must be truthful and not misleading, with special rules limiting claims of superiority, guarantees of results, and unverified specialty representation.

Directly contacting prospective patients to induce them to obtain care. Rules restrict in-person or telephone solicitation and prohibit pressuring or misleading vulnerable persons.

The appointed regulatory body that licenses dental professionals, adopts rules, investigates complaints, and imposes sanctions through its administrative process.

A written allegation of a violation filed with the board, which screens it, may investigate informally, and may dismiss it or refer it for formal proceedings.

The formal adjudicative proceeding before the board or a hearing officer in which evidence is presented under administrative procedure rules and a proposed decision is issued.

The board's written disposition, ranging from dismissal to reprimand, fine, probation with conditions, suspension, or revocation, which may be appealed through the courts.