By Alonzo H.B. No. 2439
74R6955 CAG-F
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the practice of dental hygiene.
1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-4 SECTION 1. Section 1, Chapter 475, Acts of the 52nd
1-5 Legislature, 1951 (Article 4551e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes),
1-6 is amended to read as follows:
1-7 Sec. 1. DEFINITIONS. (1) The term "dental hygiene<,>" and
1-8 the practice thereof as used in this Act shall mean and is hereby
1-9 defined as:
1-10 (a) the removal of accumulated matter, calculus
1-11 <tartar>, deposits, accretions or stains, except mottled enamel
1-12 stains, from the natural and restored surfaces of exposed human
1-13 teeth, and restorations therefor in the human mouth, the smoothing
1-14 of the roughened root surfaces, and the polishing of said surfaces;
1-15 (b) the making of topical application of drugs
1-16 to the surface tissues of the human mouth and to the exposed or
1-17 detached surface of human teeth;
1-18 (c) the making of Dental X-rays; <and>
1-19 (d) the injection of block and infiltration
1-20 local dental anesthesia and the administration of nitrous oxide
1-21 analgesia, if the dental hygienist has completed a course that
1-22 meets the requirements established by the dental hygiene advisory
1-23 committee and holds a certificate from the Texas State Board of
1-24 Dental Examiners allowing the hygienist to administer local dental
2-1 anesthesia and nitrous oxide;
2-2 (e) the packing and carving of an amalgam
2-3 restoration, if the dental hygienist has completed a course in
2-4 amalgam that meets the requirements established by the dental
2-5 hygiene advisory committee and holds a certificate from the Texas
2-6 State Board of Dental Examiners allowing the hygienist to pack and
2-7 carve an amalgam restoration; and
2-8 (f) such other services and procedures as may be
2-9 prescribed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners in its
2-10 Rules and Regulations; provided, however, that such services,
2-11 tasks, or procedures defined as dental hygiene are performed in
2-12 compliance with Section 3 of this Article.
2-13 (2) The term "dental hygienist," as used in this Act
2-14 shall mean and is hereby defined as a person who practices "dental
2-15 hygiene," who possesses the qualifications prescribed by the laws
2-16 of this State, and who possesses a valid license and current
2-17 receipt by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to so
2-18 practice.
2-19 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1995.
2-20 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the
2-21 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
2-22 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-23 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-24 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.