Increasing access to quality dental hygiene care. An educational model

Area of Science:

• Dental Hygiene Practice
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Education

Background:

• State laws and dental board interpretations historically restricted dental hygienists' practice, limiting independent unsupervised care.
• These practice restrictions have been identified as a significant barrier to expanding access to essential preventive dental hygiene services.
• Recent trends show an increase in states easing these restrictions, with some pursuing legislation for minimal or unsupervised practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel educational model for dental hygienists.
• This model will detail advanced clinical and practical management skills required for unsupervised dental hygiene practice.
• To explore the implications of this educational model for improving public access to dental care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of state dental practice acts and board regulations.
• Analysis of legislative trends regarding dental hygienist scope of practice.
• Development of a proposed educational curriculum framework.

Main Results:

• Identification of specific advanced clinical skills and management competencies needed for independent practice.
• Demonstration of how educational adjustments can support expanded roles for dental hygienists.
• Projected increase in access to preventive dental care through independent hygienist practice.

Conclusions:

• Educational reform is crucial to prepare dental hygienists for independent practice.
• An advanced educational model can empower dental hygienists to provide direct patient care.
• Implementing such a model has the potential to significantly improve access to preventive dental services.