Which statement best captures the essence of self-regulation for dental hygienists?

• A. The government alone oversees the entire practice with no professional input
• B. Dental hygienists regulate themselves and participate in governance of the practice
• C. Dentists license and regulate the hygienists
• D. Patients regulate the practice

Answer: (B)

Self-regulation in dental hygiene means that dental hygienists help set the rules for their own practice and take part in governing the profession. This includes contributing to ethical standards, continuing education requirements, and practice guidelines, and participating in the regulatory process through a state board that oversees licensure and discipline. The board provides public protection by enforcement, but it relies on professional input to keep standards current and relevant. So the essence is that dental hygienists regulate themselves and participate in governance of the practice, rather than the government alone, dentists alone, or patients alone determining how care is delivered.