Which procedure can a dental hygienist with an initial limited license NOT perform?

A dental hygienist with an initial limited license is restricted in the scope of procedures they can perform. While they are trained to take extra-oral radiographs, perform cleanings, and record patient medical histories, surgical extractions of teeth fall outside the purview of their practice.

Surgical extractions require a higher level of training and are typically performed by dentists or oral surgeons due to the complexity and potential risks involved, such as anesthesia management and dealing with significant anatomical structures. The limitations imposed on dental hygienists with an initial limited license are designed to ensure patient safety and that practitioners only perform procedures for which they have been adequately trained and licensed. Thus, the inability to perform surgical extractions aligns with the regulatory framework governing dental hygiene practice, which prioritizes the appropriate application of skills and knowledge in a clinical setting.