32-1276.05. Dental therapists; supervising dentists; collaborative practice relationships

A. A dentist who holds an active license pursuant to this chapter and a dental therapist who holds an active license pursuant to this article may enter into a collaborative practice relationship through a written collaborative practice agreement for the delivery of dental therapy services.

B. Each dental practice shall disclose to a patient whether the patient is scheduled to see the dentist or dental therapist.

C. Each dentist in a collaborative practice relationship shall:

1. Be available to provide appropriate contact, communication and consultation with the dental therapist.

2. Adopt procedures to provide timely referral of patients whom the dental therapist refers to a licensed dentist for examination. The dentist to whom the patient is referred shall be geographically available to see the patient.

D. Each dental therapist in a collaborative practice relationship shall:

1. Perform only those duties within the terms of the written collaborative practice agreement.

2. Maintain an appropriate level of contact with the supervising dentist.

E. The dental therapist and the supervising dentist shall notify the board of the beginning of the collaborative practice relationship and provide the board with a copy of the written collaborative practice agreement and any amendments to the agreement within thirty days after the effective date of the agreement or amendment. The dental therapist and supervising dentist shall also notify the board within thirty days after the termination date of the written collaborative practice agreement if the date is different than the termination date provided in the agreement.

F. Subject to the terms of the written collaborative practice agreement, a dental therapist may perform all dental therapy procedures authorized in section 32-1276.03. The dentist's presence, examination, diagnosis and treatment plan are not required unless specified by the written collaborative practice agreement.