{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-occupations-code-262.151","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Occupations Code § 262.151","heading":"DELEGATION OF DUTIES BY DENTIST.","body":"(a) A licensed dentist may delegate orally or in writing a service, task, or procedure to a dental hygienist who is under the supervision and responsibility of the dentist, if:\n(1) the dental hygienist is licensed to perform the service, task, or procedure;\n(2) the supervising dentist examines the patient:\n(A) at the time the service, task, or procedure is performed by the dental hygienist; or\n(B) during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of performance of the service, task, or procedure by the dental hygienist; and\n(3) the dental hygienist does not:\n(A) diagnose a dental disease or ailment;\n(B) prescribe a treatment or a regimen;\n(C) prescribe, order, or dispense medication; or\n(D) perform any procedure that is irreversible or involves the intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue by any means.\n(b) A licensed dentist may delegate to a dental hygienist any act that a dentist may delegate to a dental assistant.\n(c) A dentist is not required to be on the premises when the dental hygienist performs a delegated act.\n(d) This chapter does not prevent a dentist from authorizing a dental hygienist employed by the dentist to:\n(1) instruct and educate a patient in proper oral hygiene; or\n(2) provide to a patient a medication ordered by the dentist.\n(e) This chapter does not prevent a dental hygienist from incidentally removing cementum during root planing.\nActs 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.","path":["OCCUPATIONS CODE","TITLE 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS","SUBTITLE D. DENTISTRY","CHAPTER 262. REGULATION OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS","SUBCHAPTER D. PRACTICE BY LICENSE HOLDER"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.262.htm#262.151","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:31Z","sha256":"2af7800536fe3b73f495d2038ecea4cc6ac609c6d0daa3f2535580fcca602fc9","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-occupations-code-262.102","next":"us-tx/tex.-occupations-code-262.1515"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}