Who may issue a prescription for dental hygiene services?

• A. A licensed dental hygienist.
• B. A licensed dentist.
• C. A dental assistant.
• D. A physician.

Answer: (B)

Prescribing authority for dental hygiene services sits with the dentist who assesses and plans patient care. The dental hygienist carries out the hygiene procedures under the dentist’s supervision, so the dentist must issue the order or prescription that authorizes those services. A dental assistant does not have prescriptive power, and a physician’s role is tied to medical conditions rather than dental hygiene treatment itself. Therefore, the licensed dentist is the professional who may issue a prescription for dental hygiene services.