A dental hygienist in a temporary endorsement status can administer which of the following?

In Washington State, a dental hygienist holding a temporary endorsement status is specifically authorized to administer local anesthesia injections. This practice aligns with the scope of training provided to dental hygienists, which includes delivering local anesthetics under the appropriate supervision requirements set by the state's law. The temporary endorsement indicates that the hygienist is in a transitional position, often while working toward obtaining a full license or endorsement, but they still retain the competency to perform this task safely and effectively.

Local anesthesia is a crucial aspect of dental hygiene practice, allowing hygienists to perform procedures that may cause discomfort to patients while also enhancing the overall patient experience. This permission underscores the importance of ensuring that hygienists are well-equipped to manage patient comfort during treatments.

The other options involve procedures that either fall outside the scope of practice for someone in a temporary endorsement status or require different levels of training and supervision. Soft tissue curettage, restorative procedures without supervision, and full general anesthesia are typically not within the legal scope of practice for dental hygienists, particularly those with a temporary endorsement, due to the complexities and additional training required for those tasks.