Since 2007, Registered Dental Hygienists within Ontario have been able to self-initiate the controlled act of scaling and root planing. Unfortunately though, we as Registered Dental Hygienists have limitations to who we can treat. In order to protect ourselves and the public, you will still be required to be followed be a Dentist and medical clearance may be required from a family physician.
Your hygienist can not continue to perform scaling teeth and root planing including curetting surrounding tissue, when any of the following conditions are reported or known to be present unless there is a relevant physician and/or dental clearance.
1 Cardiac conditions: any cardiac condition for which antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in the guidelines set by the American Heart Association (AHA), unless the dental hygienists has consulted with either the client’s physician or Dentist.
2 Pre-medication: any other condition for white antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended or required
3 Unstable condition: any unstable or oral health condition where the condition may affect the appropriateness or safety of scaling teeth and root planing including curetting surrounding tissue
4 Active Chemo: active chemotherapy or radiation therapy
5 Immunosuppressed: significant immunosuppression caused by disease, medications or treatment modalities
6 Blood disorders: any blood disorders or Active Tuberculosis
7 Drug/Alcohol dependency: drug or alcohol dependency of a type or extent that it may affect the appropriateness or safety of scaling teeth and root planing including curetting surrounding tissue
8 Variables: a medical or oral health condition or a drug or combination of drugs with which the RDH is unfamiliar or which could affect the appropriateness, efficacy, or safety of the procedure
If there is an oral health question, the clearance must come from a dentist. If there is a medical history question the clearance may come from a dentist or physician. Any clearance must be current and on the dental hygienist’s record.