Hygienist scope of practice
Hi guys,
I have a question regarding American hygienists, it seems to be a profession that’s utilised a lot in the states. I wanted to know how a hygienists scope varies from state to state.
For comparison, a hygienist in the U.K. can see patients directly without seeing a dentist, they can diagnose disease, prescribe radiographs and of course carry out hygiene work as needed - how does this compare to the states?
Posted May 4, 2020, 2:35 PM UTC
15
In California we can't diagnose anything, see patients before the dentist, or prescribe radiographs without additional licensure (RDHAP or RDHEF). Not every state is like this though... some having more duties and some have less.
So how does that with regards to ‘hygiene checks’?
Depends on the DDS in charge. Some like to see the patient each time they come in, and some only check yearly when new radiographs are taken.
I hear that US hygienists often work without a nurse/assistant, how do you manage to do a 6ppc in this scenario?
Covered keyboard/mouse and typing it in, there are some softwares that you can just speak your readings into, and/or begging an assistant to spare a few minutes.