Can a dental hygienist open a hygiene business and work independently?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if employed by a dentist on a contract
• D. Only if board approves

Answer: (B)

In Louisiana, dental hygiene is practiced under the supervision of a licensed dentist. That supervision requirement means a hygienist cannot open a standalone hygiene business and provide care entirely on their own. Even if a hygienist uses a contract with a dentist or seeks board approval, that does not grant independent practice; the dentist must still be involved in overseeing the care. So, the idea of operating independently—owning a hygiene practice and treating patients without a supervising dentist—is not permitted. You can work within a dentist’s practice or under supervision, but you cannot practice independently.