This got you talking: Independent practice models for hygienists

Every few years, this question bubbles up—and every time, it hits a nerve. When we asked whether dental hygienists should move toward independent practice models similar to nurse practitioners, the responses went far beyond a simple yes or no. What came through loud and clear was a mix of ambition, frustration, realism, and hope: hope for expanded access to care, frustration with outdated power structures, realism about boards, legislation, and logistics, and ambition for a profession that’s long outgrown the box it was put in.

This isn’t just a scope-of-practice debate; it’s a conversation about autonomy, equity, and who ultimately gets to decide how oral health care is delivered. Here’s what you had to say.

The more exposure the better—both models would show promise in breaking the barriers toward dental care and oral health. As in demand as the dental field presently sits, the decision to introduce a more independent-based practitioner structure for all states to implement would be a huge positive for the care of our patients.—Arianna B.

Many countries have gone this way, but it takes hard work and a strong community. The ADHA can only do so much without membership.—Carmen L.

It's always seemed like a conflict of interest to have hygienists reporting to dentists to me. We're in the business of preventing disease and they're in the business of fixing what is already diseased. I absolutely think hygienists should be independent of dentists.—Linda J.

Either that, or become associates with either OMT, ADHP, or other specialty licensing. It opens up a great opportunity for those absolutely not interested in running their own business/practice but interested in advancing their scope. Simply having a choice leaves it up to the practitioner and benefits society with options potentially addressing barriers to care.—Shawna O.

RDHAP in California. It’s not easy, but so rewarding to bring dental care to people with physical or mental needs. Every state should allow the ability to get and give dental care for this population!—Jayme D.

A better way to serve the public is to have our own board and not be under the ADA or state ADA. If that were in place, you would have a choice of what type of model you would like to work with.—Karen P.

It would be great, but here in PA we don't even have our own state board! It won't be possible without that and I can't imagine that it is an easy feat to establish.—Roxann L.

Absolutely. They are always comparing us to CNPs/RNs, why not take this to the next level? I may not see it in my career, but hopefully it opens doors for future RDHs.—Anita H.

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