SECTION 114.5. Coronal Polishing

(a) "Coronal polishing" means the removal of plaque and extrinsic stain from exposed natural and restored tooth surfaces using an appropriate rotary instrument with rubber cup or brush and polishing agent. This includes the use of a toothbrush.

(b) A Texas-licensed dentist may delegate coronal polishing to a dental assistant if the dental assistant:

(1) works under the direct supervision of the licensed dentist; and has

(2) at least two years experience as a dental assistant; and either

(A) completed a minimum of eight (8) hours of clinical and didactic education in coronal polishing taken through a dental school, dental hygiene school, or dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the Board. The education must include courses on:

(i) oral anatomy and tooth morphology relating to retention of plaque and stain;

(ii) indications, contraindications, and complications of coronal polishing;

(iii) principles of coronal polishing, including armamentarium, operator and patient positioning, technique, and polishing agents;

(iv) infection control procedures;

(v) polishing coronal surfaces of teeth; and

(vi) jurisprudence relating to coronal polishing; or

(B) has either:

(i) graduated from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the board that includes specific didactic course work and clinical training in coronal polishing; or

(ii) received certification of completion of requirements specified by the Dental Assisting National Board and approved by the Board.

(c) The delegated duty of polishing by a dental assistant may not be billed as a prophylaxis.

(d) Coronal polishing must be in accordance with the minimum standard of care and limited to the dental assistant's scope of practice.

(e) The dental assistant must comply with the Dental Practice Act and Board Rules in the act of coronal polishing. Pursuant to §258.003 of the Dental Practice Act, the delegating dentist is responsible for all dental acts delegated to a dental assistant, including coronal polishing.

Source Note: The provisions of this §114.5 adopted to be effective February 2, 2010, 35 TexReg 639; amended to be effective December 14, 2015, 40 TexReg 8888; amended to be effective March 18, 2018, 43 TexReg 1438