Are dental hygienists allowed to take radiographs independently in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, dental hygienists are indeed allowed to take radiographs independently, provided they have received the necessary training and hold the appropriate licensure. This means they must complete a program that includes specific coursework and clinical training in radiology, and they must be licensed to perform these duties as part of their practice.

The independence granted to dental hygienists in this aspect is a reflection of their professional education and the scope of practice established by the state’s regulations. It allows them to efficiently deliver care and perform certain diagnostic functions without having to be directly supervised by a dentist for each individual radiograph, thus enhancing the workflow in dental practices.

Other options do not align with the regulations governing dental hygiene licensure and practice in New Jersey. For instance, while hygienists generally work under the supervision of a dentist, they are trained to perform certain tasks independently, which would make the assertion that they can never operate without a dentist inaccurate. Additionally, radiograph procedures are not limited to emergency situations, nor are they designated solely for dental assistants. Rather, licensed and trained dental hygienists are fully qualified to perform these tasks within their professional scope.