Which body regulates licensure, practice standards, and disciplinary actions for dental hygienists in Louisiana?

• A. Louisiana State Board of Dentistry
• B. Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners
• C. Louisiana Department of Health
• D. Louisiana State Licensing Board

Answer: (A)

Licensure, practice standards, and disciplinary actions for dental hygienists in Louisiana are handled by the regulatory board that governs dentistry. The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry licenses dental hygienists, sets the rules for how they practice, and can take disciplinary action when standards are not met. The Board of Medical Examiners oversees medical professionals like physicians, not dental hygienists. The Department of Health focuses on public health and general health oversight rather than licensing individual dental professionals. A generic “State Licensing Board” isn’t the specific regulator for dental hygiene in Louisiana. So, the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry is the correct regulator.