What type of supervision was updated for registered dental hygienists working with silver diamine fluoride in 2018?

What type of supervision was updated for registered dental hygienists working with silver diamine fluoride in 2018?

• A. Direct supervision
• B. General supervision
• C. Public health supervision
• D. Temporary supervision

Answer: (C)

The correct answer relates to the type of supervision update that allows registered dental hygienists to apply silver diamine fluoride under specific conditions. In 2018, a notable change allowed dental hygienists to administer silver diamine fluoride without requiring the presence of a dentist in a public health capacity. This is referred to as public health supervision. Under public health supervision, dental hygienists can work in settings that focus on preventive care and outreach, providing fluoride treatments to help manage caries in populations at risk without needing to perform the procedure in the same room as a dentist. This change signifies an important shift in dental practice regulations, recognizing the expanding role of dental hygienists in public health initiatives and preventive measures, especially in underserved communities. It demonstrates the evolving landscape of dental care and the increased trust placed in dental hygienists to perform procedures that can significantly benefit patients' oral health.

The correct answer relates to the type of supervision update that allows registered dental hygienists to apply silver diamine fluoride under specific conditions. In 2018, a notable change allowed dental hygienists to administer silver diamine fluoride without requiring the presence of a dentist in a public health capacity. This is referred to as public health supervision. Under public health supervision, dental hygienists can work in settings that focus on preventive care and outreach, providing fluoride treatments to help manage caries in populations at risk without needing to perform the procedure in the same room as a dentist.

This change signifies an important shift in dental practice regulations, recognizing the expanding role of dental hygienists in public health initiatives and preventive measures, especially in underserved communities. It demonstrates the evolving landscape of dental care and the increased trust placed in dental hygienists to perform procedures that can significantly benefit patients' oral health.