Are Mississippi dentists who initially take impressions for athletic mouthguards required to actually fabricate, adjust, and deliver the athletic mouthguard?
Yes. At its 04/14/2006 meeting, the Board determined that licensed Mississippi dentists who initially take impressions for athletic mouthguards must actually fabricate, adjust, and deliver the athletic mouthguard, i.e., the fabrication and final delivery of the mouthguard cannot be performed by members of the athletic department, as this is construed as practicing dentistry without a license in the State of Mississippi. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3.
Are dentists allowed to perform extraoral cosmetic procedures in the State of Mississippi, regardless of type of license held (general dental or specialty)?
Yes but only inside the dental office. At its 02/24/2017 meeting, the Board considered a request to revisit its prior determinations and reaffirmations regarding injectable pharmacologics and extraoral cosmetic procedures. Please see the Board's 02/24/2017 determination regarding injectable pharmacologics inside dental offices for additional information and the specific language of the Board's 02/24/2017 determination. As a result of the 02/24/2017 determination, the Board RESCINDED its 10/19/2007 determination allowing extraoral cosmetic procedures to be performed only by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Additionally, the 02/24/2017 determination nullifies a 04/21/2015 reaffirmation regarding the Board's 10/19/2007 determination. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Are licensed Mississippi dentists who are practicing as specialists in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics allowed to place sealants within the scope of their licensed specialty?
No. At its 08/04/2006 meeting, the Board determined that dentists who are licensed as specialists in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics are not allowed to place sealants, as this is outside the scope of the American Dental Association (ADA) definition of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, which is adopted by the Board in Board Regulation 7. Furthermore, this procedure is not allowed pursuant to Section 5.H. of the ADA Code of Ethics, which is adopted by the Board in Board Regulation 1, inasmuch as dentists announcing themselves as specialists are limited to practicing solely within that specialty category.
May Dentox/Botox could be utilized by licensed Mississippi dentists in the treatment of TMD?
Yes. At its 02/24/2017 meeting, the Board considered a request to revisit its prior determinations and reaffirmations regarding injectable pharmacologics and extraoral cosmetic procedures. Please see the Board's 02/24/2017 determination regarding injectable pharmacologics for additional information and the specific language of the Board's 02/24/2017 determination. As a result of the 02/24/2017 determination, the Board RESCINDED its 05/08/2009 determination regarding Dentox and Botox. Additionally, the 02/24/2017 determination nullifies a 10/16/2015 reaffirmation of the Board's original 10/19/2007 determination. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Is a dentist allowed to draw blood in the dental office?
At its 11/05/2010 meeting, the Board considered a question regarding who is allowed to draw blood in a dentist’s office. Several questions were addressed regarding platelet rich plasma, e.g., due to the fact that this blood must be drawn and processed within an hour, can blood be drawn in the dental office; can the dentist draw blood; can a dental auxiliary draw blood; can a registered nurse draw blood in a dental office; and is there anyone who can draw blood in a dental office. The Board determined that documentation must be maintained noting the licensure or certification of any individual performing Venipuncture in the dental office.
Are general dentists allowed to utilize Pellevue?
Yes. At its 02/24/2017 meeting, the Board considered a request to revisit its prior determinations and reaffirmations regarding injectable pharmacologics and extraoral cosmetic procedures. Please see the Board's 02/24/2017 determination regarding injectable pharmacologics for additional information and the specific language of the Board's 02/24/2017 determination. As a result of the 02/24/2017 determination, the Board RESCINDED its 05/13/2011 determination regarding Pellevue. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
May a Mississippi dentist refer a patient directly to a dental laboratory technician, either in the laboratory technician’s office or the dentist’s office, for the purpose of the laboratory technician assisting the dentist in determining the correct shade selection for crowns, bridges, etc.?
Yes. At its 02/25/2011 meeting, the Board determined that both are permissible procedures for dental laboratory technicians and that neither would be in violation of the Board’s laws and regulations.
Is it within the scope of practice for Endodontists to place implants?
Yes. At its 1-14-2022 meeting, the Board determined that the placement of implants by endodontists is permissible in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3.
Is it within the scope of practice for Endodontists to extract teeth?
Yes. At its 11/18/2011 meeting, the Board determined that under the ADA’s current definition of Endodontics, extractions of unsalvageable teeth (determined to be those teeth which cannot be saved) are permissible within the scope of practice of Endodontists. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Can a Periodontist make master impressions for a fixed or removable prosthesis?
Yes. Please see the Board's 11/04/2016 determination allowing licensed Mississippi specialists to make a digital scan and/or conventional impression for those patients for whom they are providing treatment as a result of referrals from licensed Mississippi general dentists. In light of the 11/04/2016 determination, the Board also RESCINDED its 05/18/2012 determination that prohibited Periodontists from making, fabricating, and delivering the master/final impression for the definitive prosthesis. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons allowed to utilize intraoral scanning, such as the iTero, in their practices to scan a patient's arch and healing abutment to send to the laboratory for the general practitioner?
Yes. Please see the Board's 11/04/2016 determination allowing licensed Mississippi specialists to make a digital scan and/or conventional impression for those patients for whom they are providing treatment as a result of referrals from licensed Mississippi general dentists. In light of the 11/04/2016 determination, the Board also RESCINDED its 02/01/2013 determination prohibiting this treatment modality as not being within the scope of practice for licensed Mississippi Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Are Mississippi dentists allowed to utilize the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure?
At its 01/24/2014 meeting, the Board reviewed correspondence regarding the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure. The Board opined that it is not feasible to determine the suitability of every dental procedure; rather, the Board feels licensed Mississippi dentists should base their decisions as to acceptability and utilization of dental procedures upon evidence-based research. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3.
Is a Mississippi dentist allowed to apply for, and be issued, more than one specialty license?
Yes. At its 04/25/2014 meeting, the Board considered a question regarding dentists who have completed more than one ADA-accredited residency program and whether such dentists may hold more than one concurrent specialty license. The Board determined that a currently licensed dentist who has completed more than one ADA-accredited residency program and who applies for specialty licensure in Mississippi MAY hold more than one concurrent specialty license, regardless of the type of specialty license held. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Is a Mississippi dentist REQUIRED to see a patient at some point prior to the patient leaving the clinic, even if the dentist did not perform a procedure on the patient?
Yes. At its 04/25/2014 meeting, the Board discussed this issue insofar as the point at which the dentist of record should see a patient. The Board determined that if an examination is being charged, the dentist is REQUIRED to see the patient at some point in the process prior to the patient leaving the clinic. Dentists also should remember, pursuant to the Board's 11/03/2006 determination, that they are REQUIRED to conduct an initial oral examination on all new patients-of-record before referring these patients to the dental hygienist for treatment? Click on the following link and scroll down to the 11/03/2006 determination to access the full text of the Board's determination: FAQs for Dental Auxiliaries
What Board-recognized dental specialty is allowed to fabricate interim (temporary) tooth replacement prostheses? Furthermore, what Board-recognized dental specialty is allowed to fabricate and deliver final (permanent) tooth replacement prostheses?
At its 07/31/2015 meeting, the Board determined that all Board-recognized dental specialties are allowed to fabricate interim (temporary) tooth replacement prostheses. At this same meeting, the Board considered the second part of this inquiry and determined that Prosthodontists are the ONLY Board-recognized dental specialists allowed to fabricate and deliver final (permanent) tooth replacement prostheses.
At its 01/22/2016 meeting, the Board considered a request to rescind the foregoing determination, and at this meeting the Board voted to reaffirm the aforementioned determination made at the Board's 07/31/2015 meeting insofar as Prosthodontists being the only Mississippi specialist allowed to fabricate and deliver the final/permanent tooth replacement prosthesis.
Is it within the scope of practice for dentists to order and overnight pulse oximetry to determine the presence of sleep apnea?
Yes. At its 07/31/2015 meeting, the Board determined that it is within the scope of practice for dentists to order and overnight pulse oximetry to determine the potential presence of sleep apnea.
Are licensed Mississippi Orthodontists allowed to utilize Botox and Dermal Fillers when providing orthodontia treatment?
Yes. At its 02/24/2017 meeting, the Board considered a request to revisit its prior determinations and reaffirmations regarding injectable pharmacologics and extraoral cosmetic procedures. Please see the Board's 02/24/2017 determination regarding injectable pharmacologics for additional information and the specific language of the Board's 02/24/2017 determination. As a result of the 02/24/2017 determination, the Board RESCINDED its 10/16/2015 determination regarding the use of Botox and Dermal Fillers by Orthodontists. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Which Board-recognized dental specialties are allowed to employ dental hygienists to perform dental hygiene procedures, such procedures being provided pursuant to the Board's laws and regulations?
At its 07/29/2016 meeting, the Board determined that all licensed Mississippi specialists are allowed to hire and utilize the services of licensed Mississippi dental hygienists as those services fall within the definition of dental hygiene stipulated by Miss. Code Ann. § 73-9-5, the Board's Regulations, and the appropriate Board determinations. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-5, Board Regulation 13, and FAQs for dental auxiliaries.
Are licensed Mississippi specialists are allowed to make a digital scan and/or conventional impression for those patients for whom they are providing treatment as a result of referrals from licensed Mississippi general dentists?
Yes. At its 11/04/2016 meeting, the Board determined that all All licensed Mississippi specialists are allowed to make a digital scan and/or conventional impression for those patients for whom they are providing treatment as a result of referrals from licensed Mississippi general dentists. Albeit licensed Mississippi specialists may provide this service for the benefit of both the patient and the referring licensed Mississippi general dentist, the ultimate responsibility for the efficacy and delivery of the final restoration resulting from such digital scans and/or conventional impressions remains with the referring licensed Mississippi general dentist who delivers the patient’s final restoration. The only exception to this determination insofar as licensed Mississippi specialists delivering the final restoration from such digital scans and/or conventional impressions is referenced by the Board’s 07/31/2015 determination stipulating that Prosthodontists are the ONLY Board-recognized dental specialists allowed to fabricate and deliver final (permanent) tooth/teeth replacement prostheses. All licensed Mississippi dentists, regardless of being designated as a specialist or general dentist, must ensure the taking and fabricating of final impressions are not delegated to, or rendered by, dental assistants, dental hygienists, or any other dental auxiliary designation inasmuch as this is a violation of Board Regulation 13. Also refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
Are dentists allowed to utilize injectable pharmacologics, whether intraorally or extraorally, regardless of type of license held (general dental or specialty)?
Yes. At its 02/24/2017 meeting, the Board revisited prior determinations regarding injectable pharmacologics, extraoral cosmetic procedures, Botox, Dentox, Pellevue, Dermal Fillers, etc., and determined that the application and use of injectable pharmacologics, whether intraorally or extraorally, fall within the scope of the practice of dentistry for all licensed Mississippi dentists, including all licensed Mississippi specialists, but must be administered within the dental office. Furthermore, licensed dentists and specialists choosing to administer injectable pharmacologics have an ethical and professional responsibility to the citizens of the State of Mississippi to seek the necessary education, training, and experience to ensure not only their competence and efficacy, but also the health, safety, and welfare of their patients. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.
The question also arises as to whether licensed Mississippi dentists and specialists choosing to utilize this treatment modality need to receive prior approval from the Board as to acceptable coursework involving the application and use of injectable pharmacologics before performing these procedures. Licensed Mississippi dentists and specialists do NOT need to receive prior Board approval for coursework involving the application and use of injectable pharmacologics, inasmuch as from reading the above determination, licensed Mississippi dentists and specialists are charged with ensuring each is sufficiently trained and competent to perform these procedures.
Are licensed Mississippi dentists allowed to remove benign/cancerous tissue from the epidermoid tissue?
Yes but with restrictions. At its 05/05/2017 meeting, the Board considered a request as to whether licensed Mississippi dentists are allowed to remove benign/cancerous tissue from the epidermoid tissue. The Board determined that, based upon the Board’s definition of dentistry in Miss. Code Ann. § 73-9-3 and current definitions of Board-recognized dental specialties in Board Regulation 7, removal of extraoral benign/cancerous tissue BEYOND THE LIP is NOT within the scope of practice of general dentists and dental specialists with the exception of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists, who, based on their training, are allowed to perform this procedure. Refer to Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-3 and Board Regulation 7.