Empowering Dental Hygienists: The Path to Self-Regulation and Enhanced Patient Care

At Practice 32, a dedicated hygiene-only dental practice in Colorado Springs, we are committed to providing exceptional preventive dental care, including dental cleanings, gum therapy, fluoride treatments, sealants, and comprehensive oral hygiene education. Our mission aligns with the broader movement within the dental hygiene profession advocating for self-regulation to enhance public protection and expand access to quality oral healthcare.

Understanding Self-Regulation in Dental Hygiene

Self-regulation refers to the authority of a profession to govern its own education, licensure, practice standards, and disciplinary actions without external oversight. In the context of dental hygiene, this means that dental hygienists would have the autonomy to make decisions that directly impact their practice and patient care, free from the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when regulated by another profession.

Currently, only two states—California and Washington—have achieved dental hygiene self-regulation. In the remaining 48 states, dental hygienists are regulated by state dental boards predominantly composed of dentists. This structure can inadvertently limit the scope and flexibility of dental hygiene practice, potentially affecting the availability and quality of preventive care services.

The Case for Self-Regulation

Advocates for dental hygiene self-regulation, including the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), argue that granting dental hygienists the authority to self-regulate would lead to several significant benefits:

• Enhanced Public Protection: Dental hygienists possess specialized knowledge and training in preventive oral health care. Self-regulation would ensure that decisions regarding practice standards and patient care are made by those with the most relevant expertise, prioritizing patient safety and well-being.
• Increased Access to Care: By removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, self-regulation could facilitate the expansion of dental hygiene services, particularly in underserved areas. This would allow for more flexible practice settings and the potential for dental hygienists to operate independently, thereby increasing access to essential preventive care.
• Professional Growth and Development: Self-regulation would empower dental hygienists to take greater responsibility for their professional development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This autonomy can lead to higher job satisfaction and a more motivated workforce dedicated to delivering high-quality care.

Lessons from the Nursing Profession

The nursing profession serves as a compelling example of the benefits of self-regulation. Since 1903, nursing has functioned as a fully self-regulated healthcare profession. Through state Boards of Nursing and nurse practice acts, nursing has expanded its scope of practice and increased access to healthcare nationwide. This model demonstrates how self-regulation can lead to professional growth and improved patient outcomes.

Implications for Dental Hygiene Practice

For hygiene-only dental practices like Practice 32, self-regulation could have profound implications:

• Autonomy in Practice: Dental hygienists would have the authority to make clinical decisions based on their professional judgment and patient needs, without external constraints. This autonomy can lead to more personalized and effective care plans.
• Expansion of Services: With self-regulation, dental hygienists could potentially offer a broader range of preventive services, such as advanced gum therapy techniques and specialized oral hygiene education programs, tailored to the unique needs of our community in Colorado Springs.
• Strengthened Patient Relationships: Empowered dental hygienists can build stronger, trust-based relationships with patients, fostering a collaborative approach to oral health that emphasizes education and prevention.

Advocating for Change

As dental hygienists and advocates for preventive oral health care, it is crucial to support initiatives that promote self-regulation. This involves:

• Staying Informed: Keeping abreast of developments in dental hygiene regulation and understanding the potential impacts on practice and patient care.
• Engaging with Professional Organizations: Participating in organizations like the ADHA to collaborate with peers and contribute to advocacy efforts.
• Educating the Public: Informing patients and the broader community about the benefits of dental hygiene self-regulation and how it can enhance access to quality preventive care.

Conclusion

At Practice 32, we are dedicated to advancing the field of dental hygiene and providing our patients in Colorado Springs with the highest standard of preventive care. Embracing the principles of self-regulation aligns with our commitment to professional excellence and patient-centered service. By supporting this movement, we can contribute to a future where dental hygienists are empowered to lead in the promotion of oral health, ultimately benefiting the communities we serve.