INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT
(1) Title: Who can legally perform the procedure of administering Actisite in Washington State?
Subject: The commission has issued this interpretive statement to replace the one that was issued in September 1997 which stated that the commission considered the administration of Actisite the same as placing of a retraction cord which can be performed by unlicensed persons under the close supervision of a dentist.
The commission has been advised that upon review of WACs and statutes, no authority was found for unlicensed persons to administer medications. And since Actisite is described as a system which involves placing of a tetracycline monolithic fiber into periodontal pockets, unlicensed persons are not authorized to perform this procedure.
Effective Date: May 14, 1999.
(2) Title: Can dental hygienists or dental assistants operate a micro-abrasion unit to clean the occlusal surface of teeth prior to sealant placement?
Subject: The commission has issued this interpretive statement in response to [a] letter from Dr. Robert B. Stephan asking whether dental hygienists or dental assistants can operate a micro-abrasion unit to clean the occlusal surface of teeth prior to sealant placement. The commission determined that no one other than a licensed dentist should operate a micro-abrasion unit due to the fact that it can alter tooth structure.
Effective Date: May 14, 1999.
(3) Title: Authorized Teaching Facilities University of Washington, School of Dentistry Dental Faculty Licenses.
Subject: The commission issued a letter approving the request from Paul B. Robertson, Dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, to include the WIC facilities as part of the educational facilities recognized by the School of Dentistry. This policy also lists all DQAC approved teaching facilities for the University of Washington as of September 1990.
Effective Date: May 14, 1999.
(4) Title: Dental Quality Assurance Commission General Anesthesia On-Site Inspections Policy.
Subject: The commission adopted this policy to establish a written procedure to fully implement WAC 246-817-170(3) which provides for the requirement of an on-site inspection and evaluation of the facility, equipment and personnel, licensee and the procedures utilized by the licensee prior to issuance or renewal of a general anesthesia permit.
Effective Date: May 14, 1999.
(5) Title: Can a dental assistant use an "eraser prophy jet?"
Subject: The commission has issued this interpretive statement in response to a letter from Rose Newman, CDA, asking whether a dental assistant can use an "eraser prophy pencil." The commission stated that an "eraser prophy pencil" was equivalent to a prophy jet and therefore it cannot be used by unlicensed persons.
Effective Date: July 16, 1999.
(6) Title: Authorized Teaching Facilities University of Washington, School of Dentistry Dental Faculty Licenses.
Subject: The commission issued a letter approving the request from Paul B. Robertson, Dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, to include the WIC facilities as part of the educational facilities recognized by the School of Dentistry. This policy also lists all DQAC approved teaching facilities for the University of Washington as of September 1990.
Effective Date: May 14, 1999.
Title: Can a dental hygienist fill a tooth surface with a composite filling under a supervised condition?
Subject: The commission has issued an interpretive statement in response to a letter from Brandon Van Curen asking if a dental hygienist can fill a tooth surface with a composite filling under a supervised condition. The commission's opinion is that a hygienist can perform this procedure under WAC 246-817-560.
Effective Date: July 16, 1999.
Contact Person: Lisa Anderson, Program Manager, Department of Health, Dental Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47867, Olympia, WA 98504-7867, (360) 236-4863.