Which statement accurately describes self-regulation for dental hygienists?

• A. Government oversight only
• B. The dental hygienists regulate the practice themselves
• C. Dentists license and regulate
• D. Patients issue licenses

Answer: (B)

Self-regulation means the dental hygiene profession has a say in setting and enforcing its own standards and practice, within the framework of state law. In Kansas, this happens through a state board that includes dental hygienists and dentists and is empowered to license practitioners, define scope of practice, require continuing education, and enforce ethical and professional standards. This setup shows the profession guiding how it should be practiced, with government authority providing the regulatory structure and oversight. That makes the statement that dental hygienists regulate the practice themselves the best description. The other options imply regulation by outsiders only or by patients, which doesn’t reflect how the profession governs its own practice within the state-regulated system.