North Carolina § 90-221 - (Effective until October 1, 2021) Definitions.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 90-221 — (Effective until October 1, 2021) Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 90-221. (Effective until October 1, 2021) Definitions.
"Dental hygiene" as used in this Article shall mean the performance of the following functions: Complete oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents to oral structures, exposure and processing of radiographs, administration of medicaments prescribed by a licensed dentist, preparation of diagnostic aids, and written records of oral conditions for interpretation by the dentist, together with such other and further functions as may be permitted by rules and regulations of the Board not inconsistent herewith. "Dental hygienist" as used in this Article, shall mean any person who is a graduate of a Board-accredited school of dental hygiene, who has been licensed by the Board, and who practices dental hygiene as prescribed by the Board. "License" shall mean a certificate issued to any applicant upon completion of requirements for admission to practice dental hygiene. "Renewal certificate" shall mean the annual certificate of renewal of license to continue practice of dental hygiene in the State of North Carolina. "Board" shall mean "The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners" created by Chapter 139, Public Laws of 1879, and Chapter 178, Public Laws of 1915 as continued in existence by G.S. 90-22. "Supervision" as used in this Article shall mean that acts are deemed to be under the supervision of a licensed dentist when performed in a locale where a licensed dentist is physically present during the performance of such acts, except those acts performed under direction and in compliance with G.S. 90-233(a) or G.S. 90-233(a1), and such acts are being performed pursuant to the dentist's order, control and approval. History (1945, c. 639, s. 1; 1971, c. 756, s. 1; 1981, c. 824, s. 1; 2007-124, s. 1.) Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2007-124, s. 1, effective October 1, 2007, added "except those acts performed under direction and in compliance with G.S. 90-233(a) or G.S. 90-233(a1) ," in the middle of subsection (f). § 90-221. Definitions. "Dental hygiene" as used in this Article shall mean the performance of the following functions: Complete oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents to oral structures, exposure and processing of radiographs, administration of medicaments prescribed by a licensed dentist, preparation of diagnostic aids, and written records of oral conditions for interpretation by the dentist, together with such other and further functions as may be permitted by rules and regulations of the Board not inconsistent herewith. Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 90-29(b)(6), dental hygiene shall include the administration of local anesthetics by infiltration and block techniques by dental hygienists certified pursuant to G.S. 90-225.2, if a dental hygienist conducts administration of local anesthetics under the direct supervision of a dentist licensed to practice dentistry under Article 2 of this Chapter. "Dental hygienist" as used in this Article, shall mean any person who is a graduate of a Board-accredited school of dental hygiene, who has been licensed by the Board, and who practices dental hygiene as prescribed by the Board. "Direct supervision" as used in this Article shall mean that acts are deemed to be under required supervision only when performed in a locale where the supervising licensed dentist is physically present and shall not include supervision under G.S. 90-233(a) and (a1). "License" shall mean a certificate issued to any applicant upon completion of requirements for admission to practice dental hygiene. "Renewal certificate" shall mean the annual certificate of renewal of license to continue practice of dental hygiene in the State of North Carolina. "Board" shall mean "The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners" created by Chapter 139, Public Laws of 1879, and Chapter 178, Public Laws of 1915 as continued in existence by G.S. 90-22. "Supervision" as used in this Article shall mean that acts are deemed to be under the supervision of a licensed dentist when performed in a locale where a licensed dentist is physically present during the performance of such acts, except those acts performed under direction and in compliance with G.S. 90-233(a) or G.S. 90-233(a1), and such acts are being performed pursuant to the dentist's order, control and approval. History (1945, c. 639, s. 1; 1971, c. 756, s. 1; 1981, c. 824, s. 1; 2007-124, s. 1; 2021-95, ss. 2(a), (b).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2021-95, s. 7, made the last sentence of subsection (a), and subsection (b1), as added by Session Laws 2021-95, s. 2(a), (b), effective October 1, 2021, and applicable to licenses granted or renewed on or after that date. Session Laws 2021-95, s. 6, provides: "The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may adopt temporary rules to implement the provisions of this act." Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2007-124, s. 1, effective October 1, 2007, added "except those acts performed under direction and in compliance with G.S. 90-233(a) or G.S. 90-233(a1) ," in the middle of subsection (f). Session Laws 2021-95, s. 2(a), (b), added the last sentence in subsection (a); and added subsection (b1). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 90-221
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 90-221 cover?
Section 90-221 ("(Effective until October 1, 2021) Definitions.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 90-221?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 90-221" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 90-221 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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