Which statement about ownership is true?

• A. A hygienist may own a practice
• B. A hygienist may not own a practice
• C. A hygienist may own only if partnered with a dentist
• D. Ownership is determined by local ordinance

Answer: (B)

Ownership of a dental practice is restricted to licensed dentists under the state's regulation of dental services. In Louisiana, the corporate practice of dentistry doctrine prevents non-dentists, including dental hygienists, from owning or controlling a dental practice. A hygienist can work for a dentist-owned practice or be part of a dentist-owned professional corporation, but ownership itself cannot be held by a hygienist. This control and ownership are set by state statutes and board rules, not by local ordinances. So the statement that a hygienist may not own a practice is the true one.