Maine Dental Practice Act and Board Rules
Where the law comes from
Maine dental practice is governed by the Dental Professionals statute, 32 M.R.S. chapter 143, and rules adopted by the Maine Board of Dental Practice within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. The statute establishes licensure and disciplinary authority; Board rules supply the operational detail on supervision, delegation, infection control, records, and continuing education. The exam tests application of both layers, not just recognition of titles.
Supervision is the organizing concept
The Board uses direct, general, and public health supervision. Direct supervision means the dentist is physically present and has examined the patient. General supervision means the dentist has examined the patient and authorized the hygiene services but need not be present. Public health supervision permits specified preventive services in community settings under a written protocol with a dentist; it is setting-specific and does not create unrestricted independent practice.
Delegation and responsibility
A dentist may delegate only services within the hygienist's scope and only at the supervision level the Board requires. The dentist of record remains responsible for the overall treatment plan and for interpreting radiographs. Unlicensed practice, delegation outside scope, and falsifying records are separate grounds for discipline.
Worked example
A hygienist in a private office is asked to see a new patient for a prophylaxis while the dentist is out of town. General supervision is not available because the dentist has not examined and authorized care for that patient. Public health supervision does not apply because this is a private-practice patient. The hygienist should reschedule or obtain dentist examination and authorization before treatment.
Traps
Do not assume general supervision means no dentist involvement; prior examination and authorization still matter. Do not confuse a community public health setting with a private office. Do not treat Board rules as optional guidance; they are enforceable regulations.