Washington State Dental Hygiene (DH) Drug & Law Practice Exam

The procedure that is not performed by a dental hygienist working in at-risk populations is placing restorations into cavities. Dental hygienists primarily focus on preventive care, education, and oral health assessments. Their role involves assessing patient needs, applying sealants, and providing preventive education to enhance oral health and prevent dental diseases. Placing restorations, however, falls under the scope of practice for dentists. While hygienists play a critical role in the overall dental care continuum, they do not perform invasive procedures such as placing restorations, as these require the extensive education and licensure of a dentist. This differentiation highlights the importance of the hygienist's focus on preventive measures rather than restorative SAMPLEinterventions, especially in at-risk populations where the emphasis is on maintaining and promoting oral health rather than treating established decay.