18VAC60-21-50: Scope of practice

A. A dentist shall only treat based on a bona fide dentist-patient relationship for medicinal or therapeutic purposes within the course of the dentist's professional practice consistent with the definition of dentistry in § 54.1-2700 of the Code of Virginia, the provisions for controlled substances in the Drug Control Act (Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia), and the general provisions for health practitioners in the Code of Virginia. A bona fide dentist-patient relationship is established when examination and diagnosis of a patient is initiated.

B. For the purpose of prescribing controlled substances, the bona fide dentist-patient relationship shall be established in accordance with § 54.1-3303 of the Code of Virginia.

C. When treating or prescribing for family, the practitioner shall maintain a patient record documenting compliance with statutory criteria for a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship.