Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Florida

Florida uses a tiered supervision model set by the Board of Dentistry (direct, indirect, and general supervision, defined in Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B5-16.001), where the level depends on the specific task rather than a single statewide rule for all hygienists. A narrower set of preventive services (prophylaxis, sealants, fluoride, radiographs, charting, vitals) can also be delivered with no dentist presence or prior exam in designated 'health access settings' under Fla. Stat. §§466.003 and 466.024, which is why ADHA classifies Florida as a direct-access state.

Verify before relying on this: scope-of-practice regulations change frequently. This entry was last checked against primary sources on 2026-08-30. Confirm current requirements with the Florida dental board before making decisions based on it.

Permitted functions & supervision required

  • Scaling and root planing

    General supervision

    Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B5-16.006(7): both prophylaxis and root planing require only general supervision (dentist examines/diagnoses/authorizes in advance, need not be present), with no additional formal training beyond licensure.

  • Local anesthesia administration

    Direct supervision

    Only available to a Certified Registered Dental Hygienist (CRDH) with additional Board-approved education and a separate DOH certificate (Fla. Stat. §466.017(5)). Per R. 64B5-16.006(4), a CRDH may administer local anesthesia only to non-sedated patients age 18+, under direct supervision (dentist on premises).

  • Nitrous oxide monitoring/administration

    Indirect supervision

    Hygienists may only assist the dentist in initiating nitrous-oxide analgesia, not independently administer it. Assisting for ASA Category I-III patients requires indirect supervision (R. 64B5-16.006(6)(g)); special-needs or ASA Category IV patients require direct supervision (R. 64B5-16.006(2)(i)).

  • Application of sealants

    General supervision

    R. 64B5-16.006(8)(i): requires pre-licensure or formal expanded-duty training, performed under general supervision.

  • Application of fluoride varnish

    Unsupervised / independent practice

    R. 64B5-16.006(10)(b) specifically authorizes RDHs to apply fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride without supervision, by virtue of training and licensure alone. Non-varnish topical fluoride applications are separately listed under general supervision (R. 64B5-16.006(8)(c)).

  • Taking radiographs (x-rays)

    General supervision

    R. 64B5-16.006(7)(b): requires only general supervision, with no additional training beyond licensure.

  • Dental charting

    Unsupervised / independent practice

    Fla. Stat. §466.0235 and R. 64B5-16.0075 let an RDH perform charting with no supervision in specified settings (schools, nursing homes, community health centers, county health departments, mobile units, health fairs); this does not create a dentist-patient relationship and isn't billable to third parties.

  • Preventive services in 'health access settings' (prophylaxis, sealants, fluoride, charting, vitals)

    Direct access

    Fla. Stat. §§466.003 and 466.024: an RDH may provide these without a dentist's physical presence, prior exam, or specific authorization in designated health access settings (FQHCs, community health centers, school-based programs, etc.), provided a dentist/physician gives medical clearance before the initial prophylaxis and the patient is examined by a dentist within 13 months.

Sources

  1. 64B5-16.006 Remediable Tasks Delegable to a Dental Hygienist Florida Board of Dentistry (Florida Administrative Code), 2026.
  2. 2025 Florida Statutes § 466.023: Dental Hygienists; Scope and Area of Practice The Florida Legislature, 2025.
  3. Dental Hygiene Practice Act Overview: Permitted Functions and Supervision Levels by State American Dental Hygienists' Association, 2022.