Restrictions apply to student dental hygienists practicing in Louisiana?

• A. Practice under direct supervision and within the scope allowed for students by Board rules.
• B. Can practice independently as full hygienists.
• C. No supervision required.
• D. Must work only in university clinics.

Answer: (A)

Student dental hygienists in Louisiana may practice only under direct supervision and within the scope approved for students by Board rules. This means a licensed dentist must be physically present or immediately available to supervise, and the procedures performed must fall within the student’s permitted, Board-defined scope. This framework protects patients while giving students hands-on training. Practicing without supervision or outside the approved student scope isn’t allowed, and the requirement isn’t limited to university clinics—supervision can occur in other approved settings where the Board permits student practice.