Dental Hygienists - Expanded Functions

Delegation

Pursuant to IAC 650--Chapter 10, dentists may delegate expanded function duties to licensed dental hygienists if the hygienist has completed board-approved training in the specific expanded function that will be delegated. Certain restrictions and limitations apply. Please refer to IAC 650--Chapter 10 for specific requirements.

Documentation of Expanded Functions Training

All expanded function training must be properly documented to ensure compliance with Board rules. Documentation of training must be maintained by the dentist in the office of practice. The Board has developed a sample training documentation form. 

As a reminder, like all intraoral duties performed by registered dental hygienists, expanded function duties must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Direct supervision means the dentist has delegated the task and is present in the treatment facility.

Level 1 Expanded Functions

1. Taking occlusal registrations.
2. Placement and removal of gingival retraction material.
3. Fabrication, temporary cementation, and removal of provisional restorations.
4. Applying cavity liners and bases; desensitizing agents; and bonding systems, to include the placement of orthodontic brackets, following the determination of location by the supervising dentist.
5. Taking final impressions.
6. Placement of Class 1 temporary filling materials.
7. Recementation of provisional restorations

Dental hygienists who complete training in all Level 1 expanded functions are Certified Level 1 expanded functions providers.  Dental hygienists must be a Certified Level 1 provider prior to completing training in Level 2 expanded functions.

Level 2 Expanded Functions

A dentist may delegate any of the Level 1 or Level 2 expanded function procedures to a dental hygienist who is a certified Level 2 provider.  Dental hygienists must successfully complete training for all Level 2 expanded function procedures before becoming certified Level 2 providers.

1. Placement and shaping of amalgam following preparation of a tooth by a dentist.
2. Placement and shaping of adhesive restorative materials following preparation of a tooth by a dentist.
3. Polishing of adhesive restorative material using a slow-speed handpiece.
4. Fitting of stainless steel crowns on primary posterior teeth, and cementation after fit verification by the dentist.
5. Tissue conditioning (soft reline only).
6. Extraoral adjustment to acrylic dentures without making any adjustments to the prosthetic teeth.
7. Placement of intracoronal temporary fillings following preparation of a tooth by a dentist

Approved training program: 

University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Contact: Amanda Shoemaker
801  Newton ROAD
Iowa City IA 52242
Phone: 319-335-7166; Fax: 319-335-7155
Email: Amanda-Shoemaker@uiowa.edu
www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/ce