Can a Dental Hygienist make adjustments to inlays, crowns, and bridges?

A dental hygienist is not authorized to make adjustments to inlays, crowns, and bridges due to the regulatory framework governing dental practice. Such adjustments typically fall under the scope of work reserved for dentists, who have the comprehensive training and licensure to handle restorations and prosthetics.

In Washington State, the Dental Practice Act outlines specific duties that hygienists can perform, which do not extend to making adjustments to dental prosthetics. This exclusion is primarily to ensure patient safety, as the manipulation of inlays, crowns, and bridges requires a thorough understanding of occlusion, material properties, and necessary adjustments to fit within the overall treatment plan. Engaging in such work could lead to complications or improper fittings that might impact patient health and treatment outcomes.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the limitations placed on dental hygienists regarding these specific procedures, which are reserved for the dental professionals trained in those areas.