allowable duties

Does anyone know what a DH is permitted to do in a school based program without a dentist at the facility?.. Thanks

It depends on the state. I know in Massachusetts a licensed dental hygienist (the professors) and DH students can do cleanings only. In my hygiene school in Mass we could not place sealants, take xrays, or give local anesthesia without a dentist present and diagnosing the need for xrays and sealants. Before taking all xrays we had to have the dentist sign off on a sheet saying the xrays were needed. Before placing sealants the clinic dentist had to check our patient's teeth for caries and would tell us what teeth we could seal.
In Maine I think they can place sealants and take xrays without a dentist present. They did not always have a dentist present in the hygiene school clinic. In Mass we have to always have a dentist present every day of clinic. You need to check your state laws.

In private practice I know I can't place a sealant without a dentist diagnosing the need for the sealant and checking to make sure there are no caries in the teeth before placing. Also I can't prescribe or give samples of anything that is a prescription product without the dentist present in the office. Also I can't give local anesthesia without the dentist actually being IN the office at the time. This is all based on Mass law.