STATE OF WISCONSIN
Dentistry Examining Board
IN THE MATTER OF RULE-MAKING PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE
DENTISTRY EXAMINING BOARD
PROPOSED ORDER OF THE DENTISTRY EXAMINING BOARD
ADOPTING RULES
(CLEARINGHOUSE RULE )
PROPOSED ORDER
An order of the Dentistry Examining Board to repeal DE 12.04 and to amend DE 12.01 (3), and 12.02, relating to delegation of functions to unlicensed persons.
Analysis prepared by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
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ANALYSIS
Statutes interpreted: s. 447.065, Stats. Explanation of agency authority:
s. 15.08 (5) (b) Each Examining Board shall promulgate rules for its own guidance and for the guidance of the trade or profession to which it pertains and define and enforce professional conduct and unethical practices not inconsistent with the law relating to the particular trade or profession. Related statute or rule: N/A
Plain language analysis:
Section 1 clarifies the nondelegated functions to include functions which are intended, interpreted or represented to be preliminary assessments, dental hygiene treatment planning, oral screenings and calculus removal (both above and below the gumline).
Section 2 updates the provision to allow a dentist to verify the competency of the person who is performing the remediable dental procedure or function instead of providing training to a person who is already trained on the procedure or function.
Section 3 repeals the provision allowing the removal of plaque and material alba with a mechanical device only if the delegation of the function complies with ss. DE 12.01 and 12.02. This provision is unnecessary as any function that complies with ss. DE 12.01 and 12.02 is allowed. Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation: None
Comparison with rules in adjacent states:
Illinois: Illinois does not allow for the delegation to unlicensed persons.
Iowa: Iowa does not allow for the delegation to unlicensed persons.
Michigan: Michigan does not allow for the delegation to unlicensed persons.
Minnesota: Minnesota allows assistants without a license or permit to do the following:
- Perform all those duties not directly related with performing dental treatment or services on patients.
- Retract a patient’s cheek, tongue, or other parts of tissue during a dental operation.
- Assist with the placement or removal of a rubber dam and accessories used for its placement and retention, as directed by an operating dentist during the course of a dental operation.
- Remove debris by the use of vacuum devices, compressed air, mouthwash, and water that is normally created or accumulated during the course of treatment rendered by a licensed dentist.
- Provide any assistance in response to a specific direction by a licensed dentist who is physically engaged in performing a dental operation and is physically in a position to give personal supervision to the assistant.
