Opinion: professional autonomy and independent regulatory authority for dental hygienists
An opinion article by a practicing dental hygienist argues that advances in dental hygiene education warrant greater professional autonomy and independent regulatory authority for the profession. The author contends that dental hygiene programs have evolved to emphasize competency-based clinical education, evidence-based practice, preventive care, public health, behavioral science and interprofessional collaboration, while dental education remains more heavily focused on restorative and surgical procedures. This perceived gap between hygienists’ educational preparation and the supervisory structures governing their practice creates what the author describes as a disconnect between professional competencies and regulatory authority. The article identifies three foundations for professional self-regulation—a defined body of professional knowledge, ethical standards and a robust educational infrastructure—and argues that dental hygiene meets these criteria. The author advocates policy and licensing reforms that would recognize hygienists’ competencies, expand independent practice authority and align regulatory structures with the profession’s evolving role in preventive care and improving access to oral health services.