Section 246-815-160. Standards of dental hygiene conduct or practice.

The purpose of defining standards of dental hygiene conduct or practice is to identify minimum responsibilities of the registered dental hygienist licensed in Washington in health care settings and as provided in the Dental Hygiene Practice Act, chapter 18.29 RCW, and the Uniform Disciplinary Act, chapter 18.130 RCW. The standards provide consumers with information about quality care and provides the secretary guidelines to evaluate safe and effective care. Upon entering the practice of dental hygiene, each individual assumes the responsibility, public trust, and a corresponding obligation to adhere to the standards of dental hygiene practice.

(1) Dental hygiene provision of care.

The dental hygienist shall:

(a) Accurately and systematically collect, permanently record, and update data on the general and oral health status of the client.

(b) Communicate collected data to the appropriate health care professional.

(c) Take into consideration the dental hygiene assessment, the client treatment goals, appropriate sequencing of procedures, and currently accepted scientific knowledge in developing a dental hygiene plan.

(i) The dental hygiene plan shall include preventative and therapeutic care to promote and maintain the clients' oral health.

(ii) Where appropriate, the dental hygiene plan shall be compatible with the treatment plan of other licensed health care professionals.

(d) Communicate the dental hygiene plan to the client and/or legal guardian.

The client and/or legal guardian or where appropriate other health care professionals are to be informed of the progress and results of dental hygiene care and clients' self-care.

(e) Continually reevaluate client progress related to the attainment of their oral health goals. Implement additional dental hygiene treatment and client self-care as appropriate.

(2) Professional responsibilities.

The licensed dental hygienist shall have knowledge of the statutes and regulations governing dental hygiene practice and shall function within the legal scope of dental hygiene practice.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.29.130, 18.29.076 and 18.130.050. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-815-160, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-815-160, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.29.076 and 18.130.050(12). WSR 89-16-096 (Order PM 858), § 308-25-170, filed 8/2/89, effective 9/2/89.]

RCW 18.29.130, 18.29.076 and 18.130.050. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-815-160, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-815-160, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.29.076 and 18.130.050(12). WSR 89-16-096 (Order PM 858), § 308-25-170, filed 8/2/89, effective 9/2/89.