Research Associate Center for Health Workforce Studies
Disclosure(s):
Sage Shirey: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract: Objectives: State-based laws and regulations define legal scope of practice (SOP) for dental hygienists (DHs). Building on the 2016 Dental Hygiene Professional Practice Index, the ‘Variation in Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice by State’ infographic was originally developed in 2017 and updated in 2019 in order to translate complex information into a data visualization that could support policy-relevant action. The objectives of this study were to review current laws and regulations defining SOP for DHs, update the 2019 infographic, and highlight the changing regulatory landscape.
Methods: Researchers independently examined state-level laws and regulations describing the legal SOP for DHs across all 50 states and DC, aiming to describe the highest level of practice available to a DH who may or may not be in a collaborative care agreement and/or practicing in specific settings including but not limited to public health settings.
Results: Findings show that the SOP has changed considerably over the past 6 years. Between 2019 and 2024, 4 additional states enacted legislation allowing DHs to prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride, topical medications, and chlorohexidine. Five new states allowed local anesthesia administration by DHs in 2024. DHs working in public health settings in 2 additional states were allowed to provide prophylaxis without prior examination by a dentist in 2024.
Conclusions: There have been considerable changes in the regulatory landscape regarding SOP for DHs. Studies indicate that a broader SOP for DHs increases access to oral health care, particularly for vulnerable populations, and improves oral health outcomes.
Source of Funding: Cooperative Agreement with Health Resources and Services Administration
