Who has the power to enforce disciplinary decisions against dental hygienists?

• A. Louisiana Supreme Court.
• B. Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
• C. Louisiana Dental Hygienists Association.
• D. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Answer: (B)

In Louisiana, the authority to regulate and discipline dental hygienists comes from the state licensing board for dentistry. The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry has the power to license dental hygienists, set practice standards, investigate complaints, and impose disciplinary actions such as suspension or revocation of a license, fines, or required continuing education. This board enforces standards to protect public safety and ensure professional accountability.

The other entities don’t hold this enforcement power. The Louisiana Supreme Court governs the practice of law, not dental hygiene. The Louisiana Dental Hygienists Association is a professional organization that may advocate for hygienists and provide education, but it does not issue or enforce disciplinary sanctions. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals oversees health care policy and licensing broadly, but the disciplinary actions themselves are carried out by the licensing board.