Is it true that Dental hygienist can have their own dental clinic?

Yes, in some states they can. They have to have 18 more months of training to get what is called their RDHAP (registered dental hygienist alternative practice), many also get their RDHEF (extended functions). Either one or both extensions are required.





They cannot diagnose decay, but they can urge you to see a dentist. They usually have a couple dentists that they refer out to. Of course, they know if you have a cavity, it's just against the law for an RDH to actually diagnose decay. That will change soon. It's already in the works in Washington. :o)





They also cannot use anesthesia, which limits what they can do as far as scaling and root planing goes. I think they can use Nitrous oxide though, but I'd have to check on that. As far as I was told when I was in hygiene school, they cannot use anesthesia, but maybe that has changed?





Hope this helps.

Is it true that Dental hygienist can have their own dental clinic?
Yes, esp in the Western states. They can have their own clinics apart from dentists and even give numbing injections, but diagnosis and permanent alteration to dentition is illegal. Some have dentists come into their clinic for diagnosis.
Reply:only if they are only doing the hygene for the dentist. My daughters dentist has a seperate office for the hygienist.