A licensed dentist whose credentials have been approved and who has been granted privileges by the medical staff of a public or private licensed hospital or other public or private institution in this State and who has been approved by the governing board of the hospital or institution may:

a. Diagnose and treat patients admitted for acute or chronic illness, injury or deformity within the province of the human jaw and associated structures and complete and authenticate medical records of patients admitted or treated for dental or oral and maxillofacial surgical problems; and

b. Prescribe medication and treatment for patients admitted for dental or oral and maxillofacial surgical problems.

A dentist, other than a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who performs one or more of the procedures set forth in this section shall arrange for appropriate medical consultation to be provided by a qualified physician member of the medical staff of the hospital or institution for a patient of the dentist.

L. 1988, c. 147, s. 1.