Duties of the Dental Hygienist
Background
Dental hygienists have been practicing in Queensland since 1988.
Initially, a dentist would apply to the Queensland Dental Board for approval to register the dental hygienist and the dental hygienist could register with several employers, but a dentist was only then able to register one dental hygienist.
From July 2004, to work as a dental hygienist in Queensland, the dental hygienist must apply for approval and hold current registration with the Queensland Dental Board and renew this registration every year.
Duties
To assist dental hygienists in understanding how they are to practice, including their duties, the Board has developed The Code of Practice 1 Practice of Dentistry by Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists.
The code has been developed in accordance with section 374 of the Health Practitioners (Professional Standards) Act 1999, and pursuant to the Dental Practitioners Registration Act 2001 to provide guidance as to appropriate professional conduct or practice.