What is the purpose of dental hygiene licensing boards?

The purpose of dental hygiene licensing boards is primarily to ensure public safety and standardize practice within the profession. These boards are responsible for setting educational and training requirements, testing the competency of practitioners, and enforcing regulations designed to protect the public from unqualified or unethical practice. By establishing a consistent standard for education and practice, licensing boards help to maintain the quality of care that dental hygienists provide, thereby safeguarding patients and promoting trust in the dental health care system.

The role of these boards is not to limit practice areas, as this could hinder the ability of dental hygienists to provide necessary services to patients. They also do not aim to control the number of practitioners in the field but instead focus on the qualifications and competence of the existing workforce. While financial aspects of dental care may be relevant to the broader health care landscape, licensing boards do not concentrate solely on these issues; their primary focus is the regulation and verification of professional standards.