PERMITTED DUTIES.

(a) A dental assistant who is not registered under this chapter may be employed by and work in the office of a licensed and practicing dentist and perform one or more delegated dental acts under:

(1) the direct supervision, direction, and responsibility of the dentist, including the application of fluoride varnish; or

(2) the general supervision, direction, and responsibility of the dentist, limited to:

(A) the making of dental x-rays in compliance with Section 265.001(d); and

(B) the provision of interim treatment of a minor emergency dental condition to an existing patient of the treating dentist.

(a-1) A treating dentist who delegates the provision of interim treatment of a minor emergency dental condition to a dental assistant under Subsection (a)(2) shall:

(1) delegate the procedure orally or in writing before the dental assistant performs the procedure;

(2) retain responsibility for the procedure; and

(3) schedule a follow-up appointment with the patient within a reasonable time.

(b) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 295 (S.B. 313), Sec. 48(8), eff. September 1, 2017.

(c) A delegating dentist remains responsible for the dental acts of a registered or nonregistered dental assistant performing the delegated dental acts.

(d) A dental assistant to whom a delegation is made may not represent to the public that the dental assistant is authorized to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.