Do any states permit the practice of an independent dental hygienist?
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) recognizes 19 states, including Colorado and California, with “varying forms of unsupervised practice or less restrictive supervision.” Many dental hygienists wish to be lawfully allowed to provide care in their own space (rather than in a dentist’s office) to treat patients who need such care as regular teeth cleaning but cannot physically or financially afford to see a dentist.
