NV Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence cheat sheet

The Nevada Dental Practice Act is codified at NRS Chapter 631; the Board's implementing regulations appear in NAC Chapter 631.

NRS 631.010 defines key terms: 'dentistry,' 'dental hygienist,' 'practice of dental hygiene,' 'direct supervision,' and 'general supervision.'

The Board of Dental Examiners consists of nine members appointed by the Governor: five dentists, one dental hygienist, and three public members.

'Practice of dentistry' includes diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, and prescribing; hygienists may not independently perform these acts.

A dental hygienist must work under the supervision of a licensed dentist; the Act recognizes direct and general supervision categories.

Licensure titles are protected: using 'D.D.S.,' 'D.M.D.,' 'R.D.H.,' or similar without a license violates NRS 631.

The Act authorizes the Board to adopt regulations, issue and revoke licenses, investigate complaints, and impose discipline.

Violations of the Act may be prosecuted as misdemeanors and are also grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation.

Direct supervision means the dentist is physically present in the office and has examined the patient before hygiene services are rendered.

General supervision means the dentist has authorized the services and the patient has been examined, but the dentist need not be on the premises.

Under general supervision, hygienists may perform prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, and topical fluoride application within the authorized scope.

Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration by a hygienist require specific additional training, certification, and direct supervision.

Dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment planning remain the responsibility of the supervising dentist; the hygienist contributes assessment data.

Hygienists may not perform irreversible procedures such as crown preparation, extraction, or restorative dentistry.

A hygienist must refer conditions beyond the hygiene scope to the supervising dentist and document the referral.

Delegation is limited to tasks the dentist is licensed to perform and that the Act permits to be delegated to a hygienist.

Dental hygiene licensure requires graduation from an accredited program, successful completion of a clinical and written examination, and a jurisprudence examination.

Applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.

Nevada licenses renew biennially; renewal requires completion of continuing education hours as specified by Board regulation.

Continuing education must include Board-required subject areas such as infection control and ethics, in addition to clinical topics.

Late renewal may require payment of a penalty fee; practicing on an expired license is unprofessional conduct.

Reinstatement of a lapsed or revoked license may require additional CE, reexamination, or Board appearance.

Licensees must report changes of address to the Board within the time required by regulation.

A licensee must display the license or make it available for inspection at the practice location.

The Board may investigate complaints, hold hearings, subpoena records, and administer oaths.

Disciplinary sanctions include reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, and civil penalties.

Grounds for discipline include gross malpractice, unprofessional conduct, substance impairment, and conviction of certain crimes.

The Board may impose interim suspension when continued practice poses an immediate danger to the public.

Licensees are entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing consistent with due process before discipline is imposed.

Disciplinary actions are reported to national data banks as required by federal law.

The Board may assess costs of investigation and prosecution against a disciplined licensee.

Failure to cooperate with a Board investigation is itself a ground for discipline.

Licensees must follow standard precautions, including hand hygiene, gloves, masks, eye protection, and appropriate sterilization of instruments.

Single-use items must not be reused; sharps must be disposed of in approved containers.

Patient records must be legible, accurate, and retained for the period required by Board regulation and state law.

Records must document treatment rendered, informed consent, and any referrals made.

Licensees must report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate state authority.

Reporting obligations may also extend to suspected abuse of vulnerable adults.

Confidential patient information may be disclosed only as authorized by law or with patient consent.

Unprofessional conduct includes practicing outside one's scope, falsifying records, and practicing while impaired.

Informed consent requires disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment.

Abandonment occurs when a licensee terminates care without adequate notice or referral.

Patient rights include privacy, respectful treatment, and access to their records as permitted by law.

Fee splitting or paying for patient referrals is prohibited unless expressly authorized.

A licensee must not guarantee treatment outcomes or make misleading claims about care.

Harassment or discrimination against patients is a ground for discipline.

Prescribing authority rests with licensed dentists; hygienists may not independently prescribe medications.

Administering local anesthesia or nitrous oxide requires specific training, certification, and supervision as set by Board regulation.

Controlled substances must be prescribed for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the patient record.

Licensees must comply with prescription monitoring program requirements when applicable.

Sedation levels and required permits are defined by Board regulation; deeper sedation requires additional credentialing.

Emergency protocols and monitoring equipment must be in place whenever anesthesia or sedation is administered.

Recordkeeping for anesthesia must include drugs used, dosages, and patient monitoring data.

Advertising must be truthful and not misleading; false or deceptive claims are unprofessional conduct.

Advertisements must include the licensee's name and credentials where required by regulation.

Billing must accurately reflect services rendered; upcoding and billing for undocumented services are prohibited.

A dental practice must be organized consistent with state law governing ownership and licensure.

Fee splitting with unlicensed persons for patient referrals is prohibited.

Records supporting billed services must be maintained and available for audit.

Soliciting patients through deceptive or coercive means is a ground for discipline.