From the Spring 2018 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
In the last two years since Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has become more widely used by Colorado dentists, and especially pediatric dentists. Given the safety profile of SDF treatment and its potential for expanding access in many underserved and non-traditional settings, states around the country have been reviewing their rules that regulate application of this treatment by dental and medical team members.
With the recent passage of this year’s House Bill 1045, dental hygienists in Colorado gain the ability to deliver SDF treatments to patients in cooperation with a dentist. Prior to the passage of this bill, the Colorado Dental Board had considered SDF to be outside the scope of dental hygiene practice.
To administer SDF under HB 1045, a dental hygienist must:
- have a license in good standing,
- be covered by professional liability insurance,
- have complete training on the use and limitations of SDF, and
- have a collaborative agreement with a supervising dentist that outlines treatment protocols, restrictions or limitations, and follow up and referral mechanisms.
Under this protocol, dental hygienists may administer SDF under direct, indirect or telehealth supervision. If SDF is provided at an offsite location, disclosures of the name and contact of the supervising dentist, as well as the patient’s right to consultation with the dentist, must be provided. Appropriate patient consent should always be obtained.
SDF is becoming much more broadly adopted and utilized by all types of dental practices. The SDF article in this issue of the CDA journal describes one protocol for treatment using SDF, which can be used as described or adjusted as you consider how you might incorporate this new treatment into your practice model.