Can a Dental Hygienist intra-orally adjust the occlusal of inlays, crowns, and bridges?

A dental hygienist is not authorized to perform intra-oral adjustments to the occlusion of inlays, crowns, and bridges. This limitation is in place because such adjustments require clinical judgments and skills typically within the scope of practice of a dentist. Altering occlusion can have significant ramifications on a patient's oral health, including bite issues or discomfort.

In practice, the ability to make adjustments to dental restorations like inlays, crowns, and bridges involves assessing more than just the surface adjustments—it engages the overall bite dynamics and how various dental components interact. Therefore, the legal and ethical standards in Washington State designate this responsibility to dentists who have the requisite training and experience in this area.

While dental hygienists play an essential role in maintaining oral health and providing preventative care, the adjustment of occlusal surfaces is beyond their designated scope of practice, which focuses on preventive care, the management of periodontal health, and patient education.