Colorado Revised Statutes Title 12. Professions and Occupations § 12-220-501. Tasks authorized to be performed by dental assistants or dental hygienists--rules

(1)(a)(I) Except as provided in subsection (1)(a)(II) of this section, the responsibility for dental diagnosis, dental treatment planning, or the prescription of therapeutic measures in the practice of dentistry remains with a licensed dentist and may not be assigned to any dental hygienist.

(II) A dental hygienist may:

(I) Diagnosis;

(II) Treatment planning;

(III) Prescription of therapeutic measures;

(IV) Any procedure that contributes to or results in an irremediable alteration of the oral anatomy;

(V) Administration of local anesthesia;

(VI) Scaling (supra and sub-gingival), as it pertains to the practice of dental hygiene;

(VII) Root planing;

(VIII) Soft tissue curettage;

(IX) Periodontal probing.

(I) Smoothing and polishing natural and restored tooth surfaces;

(II) Provision of preventive measures, including the application of fluorides and other recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease;

(III) Gathering and assembling information including, but not limited to, fact-finding and patient history, oral inspection, and dental and periodontal charting;

(IV) Administering topical anesthetic to a patient in the course of providing dental care;

(V) Repairing and relining dentures pursuant to a dental laboratory work order signed by a licensed dentist;  or

(VI) Any other task or procedure that does not require the professional skill of a licensed dentist.

(d)(I) A dental assistant may perform intraoral and extraoral tasks and procedures necessary for the fabrication of a complete or partial denture under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. These tasks and procedures shall include:

(II) If a dental assistant is performing the tasks and procedures specified in subsection (3)(d)(I) of this section, the dental assistant shall perform the tasks and procedures in the regularly announced office location of a licensed practicing dentist, and the dentist is personally liable for all treatment rendered to the patient. A dental assistant performing these tasks and procedures shall be properly identified as a dental assistant. A dentist shall not utilize more dental assistants than the number of dental assistants the dentist can reasonably supervise.

(III) Prior to any work being performed pursuant to subsection (3)(d)(I) of this section, the treating dentist licensed to practice in this state shall first examine the patient and certify that the patient has no pathologic condition that requires surgical correction or other treatment prior to complete denture service.