Which population can a dental hygienist in the initial license category work with to perform assessments?

A dental hygienist in the initial license category can work within public health jurisdictions to perform assessments. This setting provides opportunities for newly licensed professionals to gain experience while serving diverse communities, often focusing on populations that may have limited access to dental care. Public health jurisdictions are designed to improve oral health on a population level and allow hygienists to engage in preventive services, screenings, and educational outreach.

While other settings like private insurance members, corporate practices, and exclusive dental clinics may have different frameworks and expectations for practice, they may not always prioritize the same level of public health engagement or provide the same breadth of assessment opportunities for someone in the initial licensing phase. In public health settings, the focus aligns closely with community health goals, which suits the role of a dental hygienist who is building their skills and experience in a supervised environment.