Code of Massachusetts Regulations 234 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN DENTISTRY
Here’s an enhanced overview of 234 CMR – Board of Registration in Dentistry (Massachusetts):
📘 Structure and Scope
234 CMR is the chapter of the Massachusetts Code of Regulations governing the Board of Registration in Dentistry. It's organized into nine main parts covering definitions, licensure, professional standards, anesthesia, mobile clinics, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures (mass.gov).
📂 Table of Contents
234 CMR 1.00 – Reserved
234 CMR 2.00 – Purpose & Definitions (e.g., “Board,” “BLS Certification”) (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
234 CMR 4.00 – Licensure and license renewal applications (dentists & hygienists), including provisions for credentials and dental-student licensure (law.cornell.edu)
234 CMR 5.00 – Requirements for the practice of dentistry, hygiene & assisting (e.g., infection control, delegated duties, record-keeping, advertising, controlled substances) (mass.gov)
234 CMR 6.00 – Administration of anesthesia and sedation
234 CMR 7.00 – Mobile and portable dentistry
234 CMR 8.00 – Continuing education requirements
234 CMR 9.00 – Investigations, complaints, discipline, hearings, and penalties (law.cornell.edu, masscoalitionfororalhealth.org)
Details on Select Major Sections
234 CMR 2.00 – Purpose & Definitions
Defines key terms such as ADA, BLS/ACLS Certification, CDCA, Board, and what constitutes disclosure or advertising (regulations.justia.com).
234 CMR 4.00 – Licensure
Dentist by credentials: Licensure through credentials (no exam) requires proof of dental degree, ADA/NB scores, standing, references, health statement, BLS, etc. (law.cornell.edu).
Dental hygiene student licenses: Available after completing four semesters and passing relevant exams and certifications (regulations.justia.com).
234 CMR 5.00 – Practice Standards
Covers:
• General operational conduct (licenses, director duties, safety)
• Infection control (CDC guidelines, OSHA, radiation)
• Controlled substance prescribing limitations
• Dental hygiene scope, supervision, Public Health settings
• Delegation rules for auxiliaries
• Patient records: confidentiality, content & retention
• Advertising requirements and restrictions
• Ethical codes (ADA, ADHA, ADAA) and banned practices (massdha.org).
234 CMR 6.00–8.00
6.00: Sets qualifications and monitoring for anesthesia administration.
7.00: Regulates mobile dental units (permits, safety, hygiene).
8.00: Continuing education mandates (e.g., 40 CE credits bi‑annually for dentists). (law.cornell.edu, massdental.org)
234 CMR 9.00 – Complaints & Discipline
Establishes procedures for investigations, hearings (under M.G.L. c. 30A), outcomes (probation, suspension, revocation, fines), and civil penalties for unlicensed practice (masscoalitionfororalhealth.org).
✅ Summary
234 CMR empowers BORID to regulate the dental profession in Massachusetts, covering definitions, licensure, professional conduct, clinical practice, anesthesia, portable services, ongoing education, and disciplinary measures. The Trial Court Law Libraries hosts the official version online (mass.gov).
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