What is considered unlawful for anyone except a registered dental hygienist?

The practice of dental hygiene is a regulated field that requires individuals to be properly licensed and registered in order to provide these services legally. In Oklahoma, as in many other states, only registered dental hygienists are authorized to perform tasks associated with dental hygiene, which include cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and applying sealants or fluoride treatments. This regulation is in place to ensure that dental hygiene services are delivered by qualified professionals who have undergone the necessary training and education to ensure patient safety and effective care.

While teaching dental hygiene practices, supervising dental hygienists, and advertising dental services may fall within the realm of dental care and education, these activities do not require the same level of licensure as practicing dental hygiene itself. Therefore, the specific act of practicing dental hygiene is the one that is explicitly reserved for registered dental hygienists, making it unlawful for anyone else to engage in these activities without the appropriate credentials.