Can dental hygienists in New Jersey perform scaling and root planing?

Dental hygienists in New Jersey are permitted to perform scaling and root planing, but this is contingent upon the level of supervision they are under. In New Jersey, the practice of dental hygiene, which includes tasks such as scaling and root planing, is regulated and requires the hygienist to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. This means that they can perform these procedures as long as there is a dentist available to oversee the treatment, ensuring that the hygienist adheres to state regulations and practices in a safe and effective manner.

Supervision is an important aspect of dental hygiene practice, as it helps maintain a standard of care, ensures patient safety, and provides a framework for hygienists to work collaboratively with dentists. Therefore, practicing scaling and root planing with the appropriate supervisory relationship allows dental hygienists to effectively contribute to patient care while operating within the legal framework established for their profession in New Jersey.