Can a dental hygienist in New Jersey write prescriptions for medications?

In New Jersey, only licensed dentists have the authority to prescribe medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Dental hygienists play a critical role in patient care, including preventative services and education, but their scope of practice is distinct from that of dentists. They do not hold the authority to issue prescriptions, ensuring that the responsibility of medication management remains squarely within the scope of dental practice as defined by state regulations.

This framework protects patient safety by consolidating prescribing authority within the dental profession, whereby dentists, who have the comprehensive medical training required to evaluate and manage complex medical conditions and medication interactions, oversee these responsibilities. Thus, the statement that only dentists can prescribe medications aligns with the regulatory constraints outlined by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.