Maryland Dental Practice Act and Scope of Practice
What this domain tests
The Maryland Dental Practice Act (Health Occupations Article, Title 4, Annotated Code of Maryland, implemented through COMAR 10.44.01) defines dentistry, delegates authority to the State Board of Dental Examiners, and sets supervision levels. Questions ask whether a task is diagnosis, treatment planning, or a delegable function, and who may perform it.
Core rules
- The practice of dentistry includes examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, prescribing, and exposing radiographs.
- Hygienists may perform prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, radiographs, sealants, fluoride, and local anesthesia only under the supervision level the Board authorizes; local anesthesia requires additional certification and direct supervision.
- Dental assistants may perform basic chairside duties; expanded functions such as radiography, coronal polishing, and sealants require Board-recognized certification and direct supervision.
- Prescribing requires a Maryland dental license, DEA registration, and Maryland CDS registration where controlled substances are involved.
- The dentist retains responsibility for the patient and cannot delegate diagnosis or treatment planning.
Worked example
A hygienist under general supervision finds a 7 mm pocket and wants to diagnose periodontitis and prescribe an antibiotic. Not permitted: the hygienist may record the finding and provide hygiene care within the authorized scope, but diagnosis and prescribing are dental functions. The dentist must examine the patient, diagnose, and decide treatment.
Traps
Assuming general supervision means no dentist involvement; confusing a certificate with a license; letting an assistant perform an irreversible procedure because the dentist is on the premises.