36-6A-31. License required to practice dentistry--Exclusive responsibility of dentists.

Only a dentist licensed to practice under this chapter may practice as a dentist in this state, unless otherwise stated in this chapter. Dentists have the exclusive responsibility for:

(1)    The diagnosis and treatment planning of conditions within the human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures;

(2)    The use of a dental degree, designation, card, device, directory, sign, or other media whereby the person represents himself or herself as being able to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or operate for any disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human tooth, teeth, alveolar process, gums or jaw, or adjacent or associated tissues and structures;

(3)    The prescribing of drugs which are administered to patients or prescribed to patients in connection with dental related ailments or conditions;

(4)    The overall quality of patient care which is rendered or performed in the practice of dentistry, regardless of whether the care is rendered personally by a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental auxiliary;

(5)    The supervision of dental hygienists and dental auxiliaries and authorization of procedures to be performed by dental hygienists and dental auxiliaries;

(6)    The use of radiographic imaging for dental diagnostic purposes;

(7)    The delegation of procedures to a dental hygienist under general supervision;

(8)    Any other specific services within the scope of dental practice;

(9)    The management, ownership, or operation of a business, corporation, organization, or entity through which dentistry, as defined in this chapter, is offered or provided to the public;

(10)    The performance of any dental procedure or operation of any kind gratuitously, or for a fee, gift, compensation, or reward, paid or to be paid, either to the person providing the service or to another person or entity;

(11)    Offering or undertaking, by any means or method, to diagnose, treat or remove stains or accretions from or change the color or appearance of human teeth;

(12)    Performing any clinical procedure or operation included in the curricula of American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited dental schools or colleges; and

(13)    Performing any irreversible dental procedure.

Source: SL 1981, ch 275, § 11; SL 1992, ch 269, § 23; SL 2005, ch 200, § 2; SL 2015, ch 199, § 30.