How many years of practical clinical experience is required for a dental hygienist to work without dental supervision in a health care facility?

In Washington State, a dental hygienist is required to have two years of practical clinical experience to work without dental supervision in a healthcare facility. This regulation ensures that dental hygienists have sufficient hands-on experience to understand various clinical situations and patient needs effectively before practicing independently.

The two-year requirement balances the need for rigorous training with the healthcare system's demands, allowing dental hygienists to develop the necessary skills, assessment capabilities, and judgment to perform procedures safely and competently. This experience typically occurs in a variety of environments, which enriches the hygienist's professional development and readiness to engage with patients independently within certain practice settings.