Washington § 18.29.050 - Scope of licensee's functions — Employment — Supervision.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.29.050 — Scope of licensee's functions — Employment — Supervision., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.29.050. Scope of licensee's functions — Employment — Supervision.

Any person licensed as a dental hygienist in this state may remove deposits and stains from the surfaces of the teeth, may apply topical preventive or prophylactic agents, may polish and smooth restorations, may perform root planing and soft-tissue curettage, and may perform other dental operations and services delegated to them by a licensed dentist or dental therapist. Any person licensed as a dental hygienist in this state may apply topical anesthetic agents under the general supervision, as defined in RCW 18.260.010, of a dentist or a dental therapist: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That licensed dental hygienists shall in no event perform the following dental operations or services:

(1) Any surgical removal of tissue of the oral cavity;

(2) Any prescription of drugs or medications requiring the written order or prescription of a licensed dentist or physician, except that a hygienist may place antimicrobials pursuant to the order of a licensed dentist and under the dentist's or dental therapist's required supervision;

(3) Any diagnosis for treatment or treatment planning; or

(4) The taking of any impression of the teeth or jaw, or the relationships of the teeth or jaws, for the purpose of fabricating any intra-oral restoration, appliance, or prosthesis, except that a dental hygienist may take an impression for any purpose that is either allowed:

(a) For a dental assistant registered under chapter 18.260 RCW; or

(b) As a delegated duty for dental hygienists pursuant to rules adopted by the dental quality assurance commission.

Such licensed dental hygienists may perform dental operations and services only under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental therapist, and under such supervision may be employed by hospitals, boards of education of public or private schools, county boards, boards of health, or public or charitable institutions, or in dental offices.

[ 2023 c 460 s 20; 2015 c 120 s 1; 2013 c 87 s 1; 2003 c 257 s 1; 1997 c 37 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 235 s 1; 1969 c 47 s 4; 1923 c 16 s 27; RRS s 10030-27.]

Notes

Effective date—2023 c 460 ss 1-22: See note following RCW 18.265.005.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.29.050

What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.29.050 cover?

Section 18.29.050 ("Scope of licensee's functions — Employment — Supervision.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 18.29.050?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.29.050" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 18.29.050 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 18.29.050 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.