(a) Licensed dentists may employ licensed dental hygienists to act as assistants and to perform the acts, services, and practices described in § 17-82-102 consistently with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.
(b)
(1) No dental hygienist shall engage in any of the acts, services, or practices described in § 17-82-102 and the regulations of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners except as specifically provided in § 17-82-102 and those regulations.
(2) All dental hygienist acts, services, and practices shall be performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist with the supervision being defined in regulations of the board.
(c)
(1) No dental hygienist shall administer any anesthetic other than the administration under the supervision of a licensed dentist of a local anesthetic using topical application or regional injection of a drug as delineated in regulations promulgated by the board.
(2) A dental hygienist shall apply to the board for a certificate to administer local anesthetics. The board shall not issue a certificate until the applicant has met the requirements set forth by the board.
(3) The board shall require proof of a current healthcare-provider-level basic life support certificate before issuing a certificate and a yearly renewal certificate to administer local anesthetics.
(4) The board may establish fees for services relating to certification and certification renewal.
(d) A dental hygienist who violates any provision of this section is subject to the penalties and liabilities of § 17-82-301(b) and (c).