In the Kansas dental hygiene jurisprudence context, what does self-regulation mean for dental hygienists?

• A. Dental hygienists regulate themselves and work directly with the government for licensing and other issues related to dental hygiene practice
• B. Dentists regulate the practice and licensing of dental hygienists
• C. The government regulates without any input from the profession
• D. Patients regulate the dental hygiene practice

Answer: (A)

Self-regulation means the dental hygiene profession governs its own members through a state-created regulatory body that includes both professional and public members. This board sets licensure requirements, standards of care, scope of practice, continuing education, and disciplinary actions, with input from the profession itself while operating under state law to protect the public.

In Kansas, the regulatory function lies with the state board (the board of dental examiners/board of dentistry) that oversees licensure and practice for dental hygienists. Its composition typically includes licensed dentists, licensed dental hygienists, and public members, ensuring professional expertise and public accountability. The board enforces rules, approves education programs, and can sanction licensees who violate standards. This arrangement embodies self-regulation: the profession helps shape standards and ethics through the regulatory body, while the government provides the legal framework and oversight to protect patients.