In the self-regulation model, which statement aligns with professional autonomy for dental hygienists?

• A. Dental hygienists regulate themselves and work with the government for licensing
• B. Dentists regulate licensing and practice
• C. The government administers care directly
• D. Patients control licensure

Answer: (A)

In a self-regulation setup, the profession itself sets and enforces the standards for education, practice, licensure, and discipline, with the government providing oversight to protect the public. The statement that dental hygienists regulate themselves and work with the government for licensing embodies this autonomy: the profession takes responsibility for licensing processes and professional standards, while collaborating with government authorities to ensure licensure occurs within the legal framework. This reflects both self-governance and public protection through regulated oversight.

The other ideas place control with dentists, the government administering care directly, or patients dictating licensure, which would undermine professional autonomy and shift authority away from the profession itself.