What is the general role of a dental hygienist in Florida regulation?

• A. To manage dental clinics' financials
• B. To perform preventive and therapeutic tasks under delegated authority of a licensed dentist, with supervision requirements set by the Board.
• C. To prescribe medications independently
• D. To perform surgical procedures under dentist supervision

Answer: (B)

In Florida, dental hygienists are regulated to provide preventive care and certain defined therapeutic tasks only under the dentist’s delegated authority, with supervision rules set by the Florida Board of Dentistry. This means their day-to-day role centers on preventing disease and maintaining oral health—things like cleaning and polishing teeth, applying preventive treatments such as fluoride or sealants, and educating patients on oral hygiene. They can perform these tasks only within the supervision framework established by the Board, and they do not diagnose or treat independently, prescribe medications, or perform surgical procedures. Those activities fall outside their licensed scope and require a dentist’s direct involvement. The Board’s supervision requirements ensure patient safety and proper delegation of responsibilities between dentist and hygienist.