FAQ's and INFO

Q: What is Direct Access?
A: Direct Access allows dental hygienists to initiate treatment based on their assessment of a patient's needs without the specific authorization of a dentist. This allows patients to receive preventive care and treatment from a licensed dental hygienist without having to see a dentist first.

Q: What services can I receive from an independent dental hygienist?
A: Independent dental hygienists can provide a range of preventive dental services, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, and more. They can also provide medication to arrest cavities and sealants to prevent cavities.

Q: Is it safe to receive dental care from an independent dental hygienist?
A: Absolutely. Independent dental hygienists are licensed professionals who meet the same educational and training requirements as traditional dental hygienists. They provide high-quality care and follow all safety protocols to ensure patient safety.

"If you have a regular family dentist, you probably also have a family dental hygienist. But if you live in Colorado, dental hygienists also have the opportunity to open their own practices."

"Direct-access dental hygiene, which can be defined as a dental hygienist’s ability to provide treatment without the onsite supervision or authorization of a dentist, is developing a key place in the dental industry."

"Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that can be painted on teeth to stop decay. Fast, low-cost and pain-free, the treatment is rapidly gaining momentum nationwide as the cavity treatment of choice for patients who can’t easily get a filling, such as the very young or the very old."

She worked several “unfulfilling” part-time and full-time jobs- then decided to follow through on her dream of practicing as an independent hygienist in Colorado.