Abstract
This legal column addresses the legality of delegating dental procedures to hygienists before a dentist has examined the patient. Author Dan Schulte clarifies that under Michigan’s Administrative Code, procedures may only be delegated if the individual is a "patient of record". This status requires a dentist to have personally performed an evaluation and diagnosis within the previous 24 months. Consequently, seeing new patients for cleanings or X-rays before a dentist's involvement is non-compliant with state law.
Recommended Citation
Schulte, Daniel JD
(2026)
"Dentistry and the Law: The Need to Designate a Patient of Record,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108:
No.
6, Article 8.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss6/8
Submit Article
