Dental hygienists' scope of practice regulations and preventable non-traumatic dental emergency department visits: A cross-sectional study of 10 U.S. states.

Marvellous A Akinlotan Alva O Ferdinand Hannah L Maxey Jane N Bolin Michael A Morrisey

Published in: Community dentistry and oral epidemiology (2022)

This study demonstrates that stringent state policies regarding the dental hygienist workforce are associated with higher preventable dental ED visits in the U.S. Policy makers and stake holders must address the scope of practice policies to alleviate the burden of access to oral healthcare.

Keyphrases

healthcare
emergency department
public health
oral health
primary care
spinal cord injury
adverse drug
mental health
physical activity
risk factors
quality improvement