Who is authorized to perform oral prophylaxis?

Oral prophylaxis is a procedure that involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health. This procedure requires a level of training and expertise in dental hygiene.

Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) are specifically trained and licensed to perform this type of treatment as part of their scope of practice. They have extensive education in oral health, including preventive care, patient education, and techniques for maintaining oral hygiene. Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) also have the necessary training to perform oral prophylaxis, as they are licensed dentists with a comprehensive understanding of dental procedures.

In contrast, while dental assistants, including those with Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credentials, provide important support in dental offices, they do not have the same level of training as RDHs or DDSs regarding the performance of oral prophylaxis. Their role is typically more focused on assisting with procedures rather than performing them independently. Therefore, the authorization to perform oral prophylaxis is correctly attributed to both RDHs and DDSs, making this the appropriate choice.