Is it necessary for a patient to have seen a dentist within the past year for a dental hygienist to provide services under general supervision?

In the context of Washington State dental hygiene regulations, the correct understanding is that there is no specific time limit governing how recently a patient must have seen a dentist for a dental hygienist to provide services under general supervision. This means that a dental hygienist can perform services as long as the patient has a valid relationship with the dentist and the dentist remains available for consultation as necessary, regardless of when the last appointment took place.

This regulation allows dental hygienists to care for patients whose dental health is being managed, emphasizing the value of ongoing care and accessibility. By not imposing a strict one-year timeframe, the policy supports continued patient care, ensuring that individuals who may not have frequent access to dentists can still receive essential dental hygiene services. The key factor here is the ongoing relationship with the dentist, rather than an arbitrary timeframe of recent visits.