When is a dental hygienist allowed to take impressions of teeth?

A dental hygienist is allowed to take impressions of teeth when it is a delegated duty from a dentist. This requirement ensures that dental hygienists operate within their defined scope of practice and adhere to the regulations established by the Washington State Dental Practice Act. By requiring a dentist to delegate the responsibility, it reinforces the collaborative nature of dental care, where the dentist assesses the patient's needs and determines appropriate treatment protocols.

Delegation from a dentist allows for oversight and promotes patient safety, ensuring that all procedures performed are relevant to the patient's treatment plan. This approach acknowledges the dentist's role in making clinical judgments and directing the care provided to the patient.

Other choices do not align with the regulatory framework governing dental hygiene practice. A hygienist taking impressions based solely on personal judgment or patient requests could lead to inappropriate treatment or care that does not meet professional standards. Training in a dental laboratory, while valuable, does not automatically grant permission to perform clinical duties like taking impressions without proper delegation from a licensed dentist.