Which of the following is included in the dental hygiene provision of care?

The inclusion of preventative and therapeutic care in the dental hygiene provision of care is foundational to the practice of dental hygiene. This practice is centered around promoting oral health, preventing oral diseases, and providing direct care to patients. Preventative care encompasses various activities like patient education, fluoride treatments, sealants, and professional dental cleanings aimed at preventing dental issues before they arise. Therapeutic care involves the treatment of existing oral diseases and may include methods such as deep cleaning or applying medications to treat periodontal disease.

Employing these approaches allows dental hygienists to work effectively within their scope of practice to improve patients' overall oral health and prevent more serious conditions from developing. The other options, while related to the field of dental hygiene, do not directly align with the core responsibilities of a dental hygienist's provision of care. For instance, while implementing new technology can enhance care, it is not a direct provision of care itself. Similarly, conducting laboratory research and referring patients to specialists relate to dental practice but fall outside the direct care responsibilities specific to dental hygiene.