§ 4–206.4
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 4-206.4 (2026)
Title 4. Dentistry
Subtitle 2. State Board of Dental Examiners
§ 4–206.4LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a dental hygienist who complies with subsections (e) and (f) of this section may prescribe:
(i)
Topical and systemic types of prescription or over–the–counter fluoride preparations;
(ii)
Topical antimicrobial oral rinses; and
(iii)
Ibuprofen not exceeding 600 mg every 6 hours for up to 3 days after nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
(2)
A dental hygienist may not prescribe a drug:
(i)
That is classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812; or
(ii)
The prescription of which requires a federal Drug Enforcement Agency registration.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a dental hygienist who complies with subsections (e) and (f) of this section may administer medication, including:
(1)
A medication listed under subsection (a)(1) of this section;
(2)
Premedication antibiotics by mouth as required for dental treatment;
(3)
Subgingival antibiotics and antimicrobials; and
(4)
Nonopioid pain medication.
(c)
A dental hygienist may not administer a medication:
(1)
That is classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812;
(2)
The prescription of which requires a federal Drug Enforcement Agency registration; or
(3)
Except for local anesthesia administered in accordance with § 4–206.1 or § 4–206.3 of this subtitle, that is administered by intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, or intradermal injection.
(d)
A dental hygienist may administer a medication under subsection (b) of this section:
(1)
Under a standing order in the patient’s record that is authorized by a supervising dentist; and
(2)
If the dental hygienist includes the following information in writing in the patient’s record:
(i)
The name of the medication;
(ii)
The date and time the medication was administered;
(iii)
The route by which the medication was administered; and
(iv)
The dosage of the medication that was administered.
(e)
A dental hygienist prescribing or administering medication as authorized under this section shall prescribe or administer medication:
(1)
Under the general supervision of a licensed dentist;
(2)
In compliance with applicable regulations adopted by the Board; and
(3)
In compliance with applicable provisions of Title 12 of this article and Title 21 of the Health – General Article regarding prescription packaging, labeling, and record keeping.
(f)
Before prescribing or administering medication as authorized under this section, a dental hygienist shall complete any educational requirements established by the Board under § 4–205(a)(1)(xi) of this subtitle through an accredited dental hygiene program.