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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 2Ch. 4Art. 9§ 1902 Dental Supervision Definitions

§ 1902 Dental Supervision Definitions

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1902 Dental Supervision Definitions

Key Takeaways

  • •There are two boards in California that oversee dental work: the Dental Hygiene Board and the Dental Board.
  • •A dentist must be in the same place (like the office) when giving 'direct supervision' for dental work.
  • •A dentist does not need to be in the same place when giving 'general supervision' for dental work.
  • •Oral prophylaxis is a fancy term for a deep cleaning of teeth to keep them healthy.

Example

A dental hygienist is cleaning a patient's teeth.

If the dentist is in the office while the hygienist works, it's called 'direct supervision.' If the dentist is not in the office, it's called 'general supervision.' The cleaning itself is called 'oral prophylaxis.'

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1902 Dental Supervision Definitions

For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply: (a) “Dental hygiene board” means the Dental Hygiene Board of California. (b) “Dental board” means the Dental Board of California. (c) “Direct supervision” means the supervision of dental procedures based on instructions given by a licensed dentist who is required to be physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of those procedures. (d) “General supervision” means the supervision of dental procedures based on instructions given by a licensed dentist who is not required to be physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of those procedures. (e) “Oral prophylaxis” means preventive and therapeutic dental procedures that include bacterial debridements with complete removal, supra and subgingivally, of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains, and the smoothing of tooth surfaces. The objective of this treatment is to create an environment in which the patient can maintain healthy hard and soft tissues. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 456, Sec. 2. (SB 786) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

Dental hygiene boardDental boardDirect supervisionGeneral supervisionOral prophylaxis

Related Statutes

  • § 1900 Utilizing Dental Hygienists
  • § 1901 Dental Hygiene Board Creation
  • § 1902.1 Public Protection Priority
  • § 1902.2 Dental Licensee Practice Reporting
  • § 1902.3 Dental Hygiene Teaching Permit

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 1902.
View Official Source