The collaborative practice of dental hygiene.

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Delivery Models

Background:

• Dental hygiene has historically involved collaborative practice elements.
• Current dental hygiene roles as educators and preventive providers align with collaborative models.
• Few US states currently permit widespread collaborative dental hygiene practices.

Observation:

• Examples from California and New Mexico illustrate collaborative dental hygiene.
• Increased access to dental care for diverse populations is a key benefit.
• Enhanced professional respect for dental hygienists is noted.

Findings:

• Collaborative practice models improve population access to dental services.
• Despite opposition, concerns regarding collaborative practice lack empirical evidence.
• The practice model offers a rewarding career path for dental hygienists.

Implications:

• Expanding collaborative dental hygiene can address provider shortages.
• Policy changes could facilitate broader adoption of these beneficial practices.
• Further research can validate the positive outcomes of collaborative dental hygiene.