Public health supervision allows licensed dental hygienists to do what?

Public health supervision empowers licensed dental hygienists to offer hygiene services as part of organized community programs. This framework allows hygienists to work within community initiatives aimed at improving oral health and providing preventive care to underserved populations. It emphasizes the role of dental hygienists not only as providers in clinical settings but also as integral members of public health efforts that focus on education, prevention, and access to care.

By working in organized community programs, dental hygienists can address broader public health issues, offering services where they are most needed and ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in the community. This setting often enables them to implement preventive strategies and education that may not be as effectively addressed in traditional private practice environments.