What should Judy do if she cannot find a job after receiving her hygiene license?

• A. Return license
• B. Continue looking for employment with a dentist
• C. Practice without a license
• D. Work as assistant without a license

Answer: (B)

In Louisiana, dental hygienists practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist, and their authority to work comes through that supervision. If Judy can’t find a job, the appropriate step is to keep seeking employment with a dentist who will supervise her and allow her to practice legally. This keeps her licensed status active and lets her gain real-world experience.

Returning the license isn’t helpful and would stop her from practicing legally. Practicing without a supervising dentist is illegal, and working as an assistant without the proper credentials or supervision also isn’t permitted. So the best path is to continue pursuing dentist-supervised opportunities, possibly while networking, applying broadly, or exploring supervised settings, rather than attempting to practice independently or without authorization.