4 Colo. Code Regs. § 727-1.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 22, November 25, 2024

Section 4 CCR 727-1.5 - DENTISTRY

"Dentistry," pursuant to section 12-315-104(20), C.R.S., is considered the practice of veterinary medicine.

A. Dentistry means the diagnosing, treating, correcting, changing, relieving, or preventing abnormalities of the oral cavity or associated structures, including surgical, non-surgical, or related procedures, and includes:

1. The application or use of any instrument or device to any portion of an animal's tooth, gum, or any related tissue for the prevention, cure, or relief of any wound, fracture, injury, or disease of an animal's tooth, gum, or related tissue; and

2. Preventive dental procedures including, but not limited to the removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, stains, or the smoothing, filing, or polishing of tooth surfaces.

3. Dentistry does not include teeth cleaning or preventive dental procedures that are limited to the utilization of cotton swabs, gauze, dental floss, dentifrice, or toothbrushes on an animal's teeth.

B. The practice of dentistry requires:

1. Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), as defined in section 12-315-104(19), C.R.S.;

2. Creating and maintaining an animal patient record pursuant to section 12-315-119(3)(b), C.R.S.; and

3. Documenting that informed consent from the owner, agent, or party responsible for the patient was obtained. If anesthesia-free dentistry/dental cleaning is being considered as a dental treatment option, then its limited efficacy in addressing periodontal disease as compared to preventive and therapeutic dental procedures completed under the utilization of general anesthesia must be thoroughly discussed with the owner, agent, or party responsible for the patient as part of obtaining and documenting informed consent.

C. The practice of dentistry, excluding making a diagnosis and performing surgical procedures, may be delegated to veterinary personnel under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian pursuant to section 12-315-105(1)(j), C.R.S., and as described in Rule 1.6(B)(1)

1. Direct supervision by a licensed veterinarian is required for the practice of "teeth floating" or "floating of teeth" with motorized high-speed tools, and sedation must be provided by a licensed veterinarian as part of the procedure.

2. Indirect supervision of "teeth floating" or "floating of teeth" using hand tools, may occur under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The use of an oral sedative prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to the owner is permitted.

4 CCR 727-1.5

Colorado Register, Vol 37, No. 14. July 25, 2014, effective 8/14/2014

42 CR 21, November 10, 2019, effective 11/30/2019

43 CR 18, September 25, 2020, effective 10/15/2020

43 CR 22, November 25, 2020, effective 12/15/2020

44 CR 06, March 25, 2021, effective 4/14/2021

44 CR 21, November 10, 2021, effective 11/30/2021

45 CR 22, November 25, 2022, effective 12/15/2022

46 CR 06, March 25, 2023, effective 4/14/2023