Which of the following procedures are Dental Hygienists permitted to perform?

Dental hygienists are specifically trained and licensed to perform a variety of preventive dental procedures, with dental cleanings being one of the primary functions of their role. The scope of practice for dental hygienists in Washington State allows them to engage in therapeutic and preventive measures, which prominently include providing prophylactic care through dental cleanings. This ensures that patients maintain oral health and prevent periodontal disease.

The other options involve procedures that are outside the standard duties permitted for dental hygienists. Administering anesthesia typically requires a different level of training and may only be performed by dentists or hygienists with specific certification. Fabricating dentures is a complex procedure that falls within the scope of prosthodontics, an area generally reserved for dentists who have specialized training in creating dental prostheses. Conducting root canals, or endodontics, is another advanced procedural task that requires a dentist’s expertise and is not performed by dental hygienists. Thus, the primary and correct answer reflects the hygienist's key role in direct patient care through preventive measures like dental cleanings.