Which of the following is NOT considered a health care facility a dental hygienist can work in?

A dental hygienist is trained to work in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, group homes serving the elderly, and federal public health facilities. Each of these environments typically involves providing critical oral health care and education to patients who may have limited access to traditional dental services.

In nursing homes, dental hygienists can offer preventive care to elderly residents who might not otherwise receive regular dental treatment due to mobility issues or health complications. In group homes that serve the elderly, dental hygienists play a vital role in maintaining the oral health of residents, which is essential for their overall well-being.

Federal public health facilities allow dental hygienists to engage with diverse populations, providing care to those underserved in traditional dental practices. These facilities often focus on comprehensive care, including preventive, therapeutic, and educational services.

Private dental offices, on the other hand, are generally considered individual practice settings rather than healthcare facilities in the broader sense of the term. While dental hygienists do work in private dental offices, this option does not align with the primary designation of healthcare facilities meant for diverse, often underserved populations. Thus, private dental offices stand apart from the other options listed and represent a distinct type of workplace for dental hygienists.