NC Dental Practice Act and Board rules governing dental hygiene practice
The statutory frame
North Carolina regulates dental hygiene through the Dental Practice Act, G.S. Chapter 90, Article 2A (dental hygiene), with dentistry in Article 2 and Board rules in Title 21 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, principally 21 NCAC 16A (general) and 16B (dental hygiene). The State Board of Dental Examiners is the licensing and disciplinary body; its eight members include six dentists, one dental hygienist, and one public member. Board rules have the force of law.
What the exam tests
The exam asks you to separate the "practice of dentistry" from the "practice of dental hygiene." Dentistry includes diagnosis, treatment planning, prescribing, and irreversible procedures on the teeth, gums, and jaws. Dental hygiene is preventive and prophylactic care-such as prophylaxis, scaling, polishing, fluoride, sealants, and patient education-performed under a dentist's supervision as authorized by statute and rule. A hygienist may not diagnose, prescribe, or hold out as a dentist.
Worked example
A patient says, "My gum is swollen; can you call in an antibiotic?" The hygienist must decline. Evaluating the condition and prescribing are acts of dentistry. The hygienist may record the complaint, provide education, and arrange the dentist's examination, but cannot independently prescribe.
Traps
- Treating Board rules as guidance rather than enforceable law.
- Assuming a hygiene license authorizes independent general practice; supervision is the default.
- Confusing the hygiene scope statute with the separate public-health supervision provisions.
- Forgetting the hygienist seat on the Board when answering governance questions.