Under General Supervision, how recent must the dentist's diagnosis be?

For dental hygienists practicing under General Supervision in Oklahoma, the dentist’s diagnosis must be recent to ensure that any treatment provided is based on current patient health status and needs. The correct timeframe, which is within 13 months, reflects the importance of maintaining updated records and diagnoses to uphold patient safety and effective care. This stipulation helps ensure that the dental hygienist is working with relevant and accurate information, which is critical for making informed treatment decisions.

A diagnosis that is older than this timeframe may not accurately represent the patient’s current oral health, potentially leading to inappropriate or outdated treatment plans. Thus, this 13-month requirement underscores the regulatory framework's emphasis on modern, high-quality care delivered in the dental practice.