Can a dental hygienist work in coordination with local public health jurisdictions in low-income and at-risk populations to apply fluoride varnishes?

Dental hygienists in Washington State have the ability to work collaboratively with local public health jurisdictions to provide preventive care, including the application of fluoride varnishes, particularly for low-income and at-risk populations. This practice aligns with the public health role of dental hygienists and their training in preventive oral health care measures.

By facilitating access to fluoride varnish applications in underserved communities, dental hygienists contribute to population health and help in reducing the incidence of dental caries. This collaboration is a valuable aspect of public health initiatives aimed at improving oral health outcomes among vulnerable groups.

The other options suggest restrictions that do not align with the current scope of practice for dental hygienists in Washington. For instance, needing a dentist present for such preventive care limits the hygienist's ability to perform their public health responsibilities effectively. Likewise, the notion that these services can only be provided in private practice does not reflect the accommodated public health efforts to address the needs of at-risk populations.