Missouri Dental Practice Act: Statutory Framework, Definitions, and Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice
Statutory framework
The Missouri Dental Practice Act is Chapter 332 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo). It creates the Missouri Dental Board within the Division of Professional Registration, defines dentistry and dental hygiene, sets licensure and supervision requirements, and authorizes the Board to adopt rules at 20 CSR 2110. The Act is the primary source; Board rules fill in operational detail and have the force of law.
Definitions and scope
"Dentistry" is defined broadly: diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, prescribing, and procedures on teeth and associated structures. Dental hygiene is a licensed subset practiced under the supervision levels set by statute and rule. Core hygiene services include prophylactic cleaning, scaling, polishing, fluoride application, sealants, radiographs within the authorized scope, and patient education. A hygienist may not diagnose caries or periodontal disease, formulate a treatment plan, prescribe drugs, or perform surgery. Finding an abnormality triggers referral to the dentist, not an independent diagnosis.
Worked example
A patient's radiograph shows a radiolucency. The hygienist may expose the image, describe the finding to the dentist, and document it. She may not tell the patient "that is a cavity that needs a crown" or select treatment. The dentist must diagnose and plan care; the hygienist's role is to report and support.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse the dental hygienist with the dental assistant; their scopes and supervision rules differ. A dentist's request does not expand the statutory scope. Do not assume the statute is the only source-Board rules define supervision, records, and infection control. Read "may" and "shall" carefully; permissive language does not create an entitlement.