Dental hygienists work in a host of different settings and under varying levels of supervision. Each state enacts its own laws determining the services dental hygienists can provide, the settings in which they can practice, and the supervision under which they practice.
Direct Access
Access to oral health care is one of the highest priorities of ADHA. Direct Access refers to 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.
Learn More About Direct ACCESS
Scope of Practice
Permitted functions and supervision requirements vary widely by state. To verify any of these requirements, please contact your state’s dental board. The Oral Health Workforce Research Center also offer an interesting overview of the variation in dental hygiene scope of practice by state here.
Medicaid Reimbursem*nt
Nineteen states currently have statutory or regulatory language allowing the state Medicaid department to reimburse dental hygienists for services rendered.
View Medicaid Reimbursem*nt States
Restorative Services
As with other functions, each state enacts its own laws determining restorative services provided by dental hygienists, and supervision required. Learn more about typical restorative services and find a reference chart by state here.
