Delaware Code Title 24. Professions and Occupations § 1121. License required

(a) No person shall practice dentistry or dental hygiene or hold oneself out to the public in this State as being qualified to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or use in connection with the person's name, or otherwise assume or use, any title or description conveying or tending to convey the impression that the person is qualified to practice dentistry or dental hygiene unless such person has been duly licensed under this chapter.

(b) A dental hygienist licensed under this chapter shall practice dental hygiene only under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, in the office of the licensed dentist, or in any public school or other public institution of this State, except that a dental hygienist may only administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

(c) A licensed dental hygienist may practice under the general supervision of the State Dental Director, or the State Dental Director's designee, who shall be a licensed Delaware dentist, in schools and state institutions.  A licensed dental hygienist may also practice under the general supervision of the State Dental Director, or the State Dental Director's designee, who shall be a Delaware licensed dentist, in federally qualified health centers, nonprofit organizations, and other locations as designated by the Delaware Health Care Commission in consultation with Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research.  The protocols under which hygienists practice in these settings will be established by the State Dental Director and shall be subject to the approval of the Delaware State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.  In any setting, a dental hygienist may only administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

(d) The State Dental Director must be a Delaware licensed dentist or have a community health license under § 1132B of this title.  The State Director is an employee of a government-operated dental clinic.

(e) Whenever a license to practice as a dentist or dental hygienist in this State has expired or has been suspended or revoked, it shall be unlawful for the person to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this State.