As of 2012, 35 states allow dental hygienists to provide patient care in a setting outside of a dental office and without a dentist present. 6 Alaska and Minnesota both license mid-level providers, who are allowed to provide basic restorative treatment in addition to the catalogue of typical dental hygiene services, also without the supervision of a dentist. 6 Mid-level dental providers have been recognized internationally for many years, 2 and 5 states are currently forwarding legislation to create dental hygiene based mid-level provider licensure (Vermont, Kansas, Washington, Connecticut and Maine). 6
Full Answer
Can a dental hygienist practice without a dentist?
Dental hygienist may provide screening, apply fluorides and sealants without supervision in government created or administered public health programs. Colorado 1987
Which states have parity laws for dental hygienists?
Dental Hygiene Practice Act Overview: Permitted Functions and Supervision Levels by State This document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion regarding dental practice in any state. To verify any information, please contact your state’s dental board. Revised March 2021 www.adha.org
Where can a dental hygienist practice under remote supervision?
Today, 19 states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin) recognize and …
Can a dental hygienist practice without a license in Wisconsin?
A dental therapist who completes 400 clinical hours under the direct supervision of a dentist may enter into a written collaborative practice agreement and subsequently practice without the onsite presence of a dentist. Medicaid Arizona statutes specifically mandate live video coverage of teledentistry services for enrollees under the age of 21.
Can a hygienist work without a dentist in the office in Texas?
(d) A dental hygienist may not perform any service, task, or procedure under this section without the express authorization of a dentist. (e) The facility under Subsection (a)(2) shall note each delegated service, task, or procedure performed by the dental hygienist under this section in the patient's medical records.
Can a hygienist work without a dentist in NY?
Under general supervision, dental hygienists provide services without the onsite presence of a dentist as long as the dentist is available for consultation, diagnosis, and evaluation.Apr 1, 2019
Can you see a hygienist without seeing a dentist?
Dental hygienists and dental therapists can carry out their full scope of practice without prescription and without the patient having to see a dentist first. The only exception to this is toothwhitening, which must still be carried out on prescription from a dentist.Jun 28, 2019
Can a dental hygienist work without a dentist in Florida?
Under Florida law, no person other than a Florida licensed dentist, nor any entity other than a professional corporation or limited liability company composed of dentists may: Employ a dentist or dental hygienist in the operation of a dental office.
Can dental hygienist open their own practice in Florida?
You can open your own practice Most states in the US allow dental hygienists to provide their services without the supervision of an onsite dentist.
Can a hygienist work without a dentist in PA?
(4) Notwithstanding the supervision requirements in this subsection, a dental hygienist may provide oral health education and perform preliminary dental screenings in any setting without the supervision of a dentist.
Is scale and polish same as hygienist?
The cleaning provided by the hygienist at Alexandra Dental Care is known as a scale and polish and is partially a preventative treatment.May 21, 2019
How much does a dental hygienist make?
$77,090How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make? Dental Hygienists made a median salary of $77,090 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $91,620 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $65,440.
What can a dental hygienist not do?
Hygienists cannot clean teeth, provide periodontal therapy, fluoride therapy, or any of the other things we do on a regular basis in a dental office without a diagnosis or treatment plan by the doctor. Liberties are taken because of the close physical proximity between diagnosticians and therapists.May 31, 2003
Can a dental hygienist open their own practice in Georgia?
Dental hygienist can practice in any setting with collaborative agreement and can own or manage a collaborative dental hygiene practice. Dental hygienist must enter into a written agreement with one or more collaborative dentist(s) which must contain protocols for care.
Can a hygienist work without a dentist in Georgia?
No dentist shall be required to authorize a dental hygienist to perform dental hygiene duties under general supervision, and no part of this Rule shall be construed as to establish independent dental hygiene practice.
Can dental hygienist have their own practice in California?
The good news is that dental hygienist can now start their own private practice in California! It was on January 1, 2016, that the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act Sections 13401 and 13401.5 allowed all Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) to start their own professional corporations.
What is the law for dental therapists in New Mexico?
New Mexico enacted the dental therapy law also in 2019. The law allows New Mexico universities and colleges to create dental therapist education programs. It also allows the dental therapist to provide preventive and restorative care, and other commonly needed dental services like cleaning, fillings, and extractions.
When will Oregon end the dental therapist program?
The pilot project ends in 2021 and allows dental therapists to practice under a dentist’s supervision.
What is dental therapy in Maine?
Maine passed the dental therapy legislation in 2014 and amended it in 2019. The legislation established the scope of practice for dental therapists. For instance, according to this legislation, a dental therapist who is under direct dentist’s supervision, may remove socket dressings, irrigate and dry root canals, and take cytological smears. Under general supervision, therapists may prescribe or administer anti-cavity toothpaste, oral rinses, or topical gels. But again, remember, some of these procedures might not be available in Maine presently, due to the COVID-19. This is according to Governor Janet Mill's, Executive Order.
How many hours do you have to work to become a dental therapist in Arizona?
More so, the law requires dental therapists to initially work 1, 000 hours under an Arizona dentist, before they can enter into an agreement that allows them to practice under general supervision.
When did dental therapists start in Alaska?
Dental therapists were introduced in Alaska in 2004 by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, to help the tribal communities living there. They were allowed to practice in compliance with federal regulations and were the first such dental providers in the country. It is worth noting that dental therapists in Alaska practice under ...
Is Michigan a shortage of dental therapists?
According to the Michigan Dental Access Coalition, 78 of Michigan’s 83 counties have a minimum of one dental provider shortage area. Thus, the need for an additional dental workforce was long overdue.
Is there a shortage of dentists in Idaho?
Idaho allowed dental therapists to practice in early 2019. Similar to many other states, Idaho faces a shortage of dentists. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, there are about 42 dental provider shortage area designations across the state. These designations cover approximately 97% of the state’s land area.
How many dental hygienists can be supervised?
A dentist can supervise up to 5 dental hygienists under telehealth supervision and is required to diagnose and provide instruction prior to the procedure.
Why do dentists need teledentistry?
Teledentistry can satisfy the requirements for every Dental Hygienist to have instant communication with a dentist for the provision of clinical resources and referrals in situations which are beyond their capabilities.
What is teledentistry PA161?
Teledentistry can satisfy the requirements for every PA161 Dental Hygienist to communicate easily and efficiently with a dentist for the provision of clinical resources and referrals in situations which are beyond their capabilities.
What is teledentistry in dentistry?
Teledentistry allows Dental Hygienists who practice in off-site locations and under general supervision to provide patients with an evaluation by a dentist. Dental assistants are able to provide limited services under general supervision such as the making of radiographs and interim treatment of minor emergencies.
Can a dental hygienist use a teledentist?
Teledentistry can satisfy the requirements for every dental hygienist with a Limited Access Permit to have instant communication with a dentist for the provision of clinical resources and referrals in situations which are beyond their capabilities.
Does Wyoming have teledentistry?
No teledentistry regulations exist in Wyoming. While the state does define telehealth, it does not specifically define teledentistry. As of 2017, the state passed legislation to allow professional boards to have the power to adopt telehealth/telemedicine definitions and standards applicable to their regulated profession.
Does New York have telemedicine?
New York currently has various telemedicine legislation introduced relating to reimbursement rates as well as the promotion, provision, and accessibility of services. New York is one of few states that list dentists as Eligible Healthcare Providers and dental practices as Originating Sites for telemedicine services.
How many states have direct access to dental hygienists?
Even though no two states are identical in their definition of direct access, at least 40 states currently authorize dental hygienists to provide direct access in one form or another. It is rare to find two states that give direct-access dental hygienists the same title—thanks in part to legislation that establishes direct-access requirements ...
How will direct access be even more significant for the future of dentistry?
How will direct access be even more significant for the future of dentistry? A recent report by the US Department of Health and Human Services predicts a national shortage of dentists by 2025. 1 Creative solutions to mitigate this problem are being discussed at the local, state, and national levels. These solutions aim to impact legislation, increase third-party reimbursement rates, and create entirely new health-care delivery models, such as oral care by a dental therapist.
What is state legislation?
In many instances, state legislation adds constraints to direct access, such as limiting treatment to underserved patients and restricting the types of services allowed. Some states mandate an oral evaluation by a third-party dentist after a designated period of time in order for a hygienist to continue care.
Who is Angie Rhoades?
Angie Rhoades, BSDH, is an independent practice dental hygienist in Colorado and is the owner of SmileLogic, a stand-alone dental hygiene practice. A dental professional since 1993, Angie graduated from Northern Arizona University and has been practicing independently since 2010. Read on to learn about her successes, her struggles, and why she thinks it is critical for dental hygienists to provide direct care to patients.
How often do you have to see a hygienist?
In other states, a hygienist may practice independently with the requirement that the patient must be seen by a dentist every 12 to 18 months for an exam, and documentation must be provided and kept for records.
What is direct access in dentistry?
The ADHA defines direct access as the “ability of a dental hygienist to initiate treatment based on their assessment of a patient’s needs without the specific authorization of a dentist, treat the patient without the presence of a dentist, and maintain a provider-patient relationship.”.
How to help self regulation?
Another way to help in self regulation is to network within the local and state organizations , such as the ADHA components. Networking serves multiple purposes in the development and regulation of your career, such as creating a collaborative voice to improve health-care and regulations.
How many states allow dental hygienists?
Currently, 37 states allow the public direct access to dental hygienists in at least one practice setting (Figure 1). Several states have passed legislation or are in the process of pursuing legislation to expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists, including: Maine, Minnesota, Alaska, California, Oregon, New Mexico, Kansas, Vermont, New Hampshire, and North Dakota. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws governing the services dental hygienists can provide, as well as the treatment settings in which they practice and the type of supervision required. 2
Which states allow dental hygienists to work remotely?
Rhode Island is among the states considering legislation regarding supervision, as an act has been introduced to authorize the practice of public health dental hygienists who will be able to perform certain dental services in public health settings. Illinois has a bill pending that will enable dental hygienists to work under the remote supervision of a licensed dentist. Indiana just passed legislation in spring 2014 that allows dental hygienists to practice under prescriptive supervision. Virginia has submitted a bill to enable dental hygienists to practice through teledentistry supervision, meaning the dentist is available in real-time via electronic communication but is not on-site.
What are the different types of dental hygienists?
Dental hygienists work in a variety of settings delivering oral health care services at varying levels of supervision. The primary types of supervision in the allied dental profession include: 1 Direct supervision —the dentist is present 2 Indirect supervision —the dentist is present in the facility 3 General supervision —the dentist needs to authorize services to allied dental staff, but does not need to be present in the facility 4 Prescriptive supervision —the dental hygienist can practice independently as long as the patient is seen by a dentist within a specific timeframe 5 Direct-access supervision —the dental hygienist can provide services as he or she deems appropriate without specific authorization from a licensed dentist
What is dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists work in a variety of settings delivering oral health care services at varying levels of supervision. The primary types of supervision in the allied dental profession include: Indirect supervision —the dentist is present in the facility.
What is a mid level dental practitioner?
Mid-level oral health practitioner models have been created to provide preventive and therapeutic services. 1,3 General and direct-access supervision provides mid-level practitioners the latitude to practice collaboratively with dentists through various forms of supervision. The intent of states adding new providers to the dental hygiene profession is to address access to care. 2,3 In 2010, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry convened two panels of academicians to provide recommendations for future mid-level oral health providers. Their goal was not to prepare allied dental professionals for independent practice, but to provide recommendations for states that plan to sponsor mid-level provider legislation. 4,5
What is indirect supervision?
Indirect supervision —the dentist is present in the facility. General supervision —the dentist needs to authorize services to allied dental staff, but does not need to be present in the facility.
Alaska
Minnesota
- Minnesota authorized the use of dental therapists in 2009. According to Minnesota laws, dental therapists should practice in areas that serve underserved communities. These areas may include assisted living facilities, VA clinics, and hospitals,federally qualified health centers, mobile dental units, or home-bound patient homes. Also, dental therapists may work in private clinics in which …
Maine
- Maine passed the dental therapy legislation in 2014 and amended it in 2019. The legislation established the scope of practice for dental therapists. For instance, according to this legislation, a dental therapist who is under direct dentist’s supervision, may remove socket dressings, irrigate and dry root canals, and take cytological smears. Under general supervision, therapists may pre…
Vermont
- Vermont followed suit in2016. A dental therapist in Vermont should be licensed either as an Advanced Dental Therapist (ADH) orRegistered Dental Hygienist (RDH). He or she must also have completed a dental therapy graduate program from aCODA-accredited institution. The 2016 legislation also goes ahead to define thescope of practicefor dental therapists in Vermont. They …
Oregon
- In 2016, the state of Oregon authorized apilot programthat allowed dental therapists to offer dental services in approved tribal areas. The pilot project ends in 2021 and allows dental therapists to practice under a dentist’s supervision. Aboutone million Oregonians reside in areas where there is a significant scarcity of dentists. Only four out of...
Washington
- In 2017, the state of Washington permitted dental therapists to offer services in tribal communities. Examples of such tribes in Washington include Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Colville Tribes, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and Lummi Nation.According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the population of the above tribes totals to al…
Arizona
- Arizona passed dental therapy laws in 2018. The law requires dental therapists to be registered dental hygienists and pass a Western Regional Examining Board clinical examination or its equivalent. More so, the law requires dental therapists to initially work 1, 000 hours under an Arizona dentist, before they can enter into an agreement that allows them to practice under gen…
Michigan
- In 2018, Michigan also joined Arizona inauthorizing dental therapists to practicestatewide. According to the Michigan Dental Access Coalition, 78 of Michigan’s 83 counties have a minimum of one dental provider shortage area. Thus, the need for an additional dental workforce was long overdue. Michigan allows graduates from an accredited dental therapy program and who have c…
Idaho
- Idaho allowed dental therapists to practice in early 2019. Similar to many other states, Idaho faces a shortage of dentists. According to theIdaho Department of Health and Welfare, there are about 42 dental provider shortage area designations across the state. These designations cover approximately 97% of the state’s land area. That said, to practice as a dental therapist in Idaho, y…
New Mexico
- New Mexico enacted the dental therapy law also in 2019. The law allows New Mexico universities and colleges to create dental therapist education programs. It also allows the dental therapist to provide preventive and restorative care, and other commonly needed dental services like cleaning, fillings, and extractions. Besides that, the law requires dental therapists to work under a dentist’…