The federal government, academic administration, research, and organized dental hygiene all play a role in the future of dental hygiene education.

Dental hygienists with an interprofessional education are able to provide patient care in concert with nurse practitioners, physical therapists, physicians, and other health care providers.

Efforts are underway to add a doctoral level to dental hygiene education.

The University of southern california Ostrow school of Dentistry runs two mobile dental clinics dedicated entirely to providing preventive services for lowincome children.

Place-based care in schools is an additional practice setting for dental hygienists.

Providing oral health services to residents of long-term care facilities is another option for expanding the role of dental hygienists.

This innovative program enables Arizona residents to receive necessary dental care through a low-cost, dental hygiene-based approach.

In this practice setting, dental hygienists can reach individuals with little access to professional oral health care services.

Dental service organizations have many benefits to offer to both clinicians and patients.

Self-regulation is key to ensuring the health and longevity of the dental hygiene profession.