User:Maddy.a.r/sandbox

Direct Access to Care with a Dental Hygienist
The dental hygienists in select parts of North America can provide dental hygiene treatment based on the assessment of a patient’s needs without the authorization of a dentist, treat the patient in absence of a dentist, and also maintain a provider-patient relationship.

Canada

British Columbia

1995 - A client must have seen a dentist within the previous 365 days in order for the hygienist to provide dental hygiene treatment.

2012 - New bylaws offers an exemption from the 365-day rule if hygienists are registered in the Full Registration (365 Day Rule Exempt) class.

Alberta

2006 - Dental hygienists are able to offer their services in many practice settings including independent practice.

Manitoba

2008 - If the dental hygienist has practiced for more than 3000 hours, and the client does not have a complex medical condition than the hygienists do not require the supervision of a dentist.

Ontario

2007 - Registered dental hygienists in Ontario who have been approved by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario can practice independently.

United States

California

1998 - Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP): RDHAPs may provide services for homebound persons or at residential facilities, schools, institutions and in dental health professional shortage areas without the supervision of a dentist. RDHAPs can provide patient care for up to 18 months and longer if the patient obtains a prescription for additional oral treatment from a dentist or physician.

Colorado

1987 - Unsupervised Practice: Hygienists may have their own dental hygiene practice; there are no requirement for the authorization or supervision of a dentist for most services.

Connecticut

1999 - Public Health Dental Hygienist: Dental hygienists may practice without supervision in institutions, public health facilities, group homes, and schools as long as they have two years of work experience.

Maine

2008 - Independent Practice Dental Hygienist: A dental hygienist licensed with an independent practice may work without the supervision of a dentist, providing that the dental hygienist has to complete 2,000 work hours of clinical practice during the two years prior to applying for an independent license, as well as a bachelor's degree from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program or complete 6,000 work hours of clinical practice during the six years prior to applying for an independent license, as well as an associate degree from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program.

Michigan

2005 - PA 161 Dental Hygienist: Hygienists with grantee status can work in a public or nonprofit environment, a school or nursing home that administers dental care to a low-income population. Dentists collaborating with dental hygienists do not need to be present to authorize or administer treatment. However, dental hygienists must have the availability to communicate with a dentist in order to review patient records and establish emergency protocols. Hygienists need to apply to the state department of community health for grantee status.

Washington

1984 - Unsupervised Practice: Dental hygienist practice without the supervision of a dentist is allowed in hospitals, group homes, nursing homes, home health agencies, Health and Human Service state institutions, jails, and public health facilities as long as the hygienist refers their patients to a dentist for treatment. Hygienist must have at least two years of work experience within the last 5 years.