Lasers can be utilized by an RDH for what purpose?

In the context of roles and responsibilities of a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), the utilization of lasers is primarily focused on specific therapeutic functions. Among the various purposes that lasers can serve in dental hygiene, the correct choice highlights the application of lasers in diagnosis. Though lasers have multiple uses in dental practices, including therapeutic and operative roles, the primary training and permitted tasks for an RDH often center around diagnostic tools. Lasers can aid in precise detection of caries and other oral conditions, enhancing the diagnostic process.

While lasers can indeed be employed for cutting soft tissues and destroying lesions in certain dental practices, these procedures typically fall outside the scope of practice for dental hygienists without additional training or supervision. The permanent alteration of hard tissues, such as removing enamel or dentin, is generally considered a more invasive procedure that is usually relegated to the dentist. Thus, the choice that identifies diagnosis as the function of lasers accurately aligns with the expected roles of an RDH, emphasizing their involvement in assessing and identifying oral health conditions rather than performing surgical or irreversible modifications.