The Missouri Dental Director in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services developed a pilot that the Missouri Dental Board that will allow dental assistants to scale teeth. This care is out of the scope of this provider and will result in subpar care. Dental assistants are valued and loved members of the dental team but are not trained and don't have the level of education to provide this type of care

A dental hygienist is a licensed provider that graduates from a two to four year accredited dental hygiene program. A dental hygienist must pass he National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). Also, pass an approved clinical board examination for your region or state and  obtain licensure from the appropriate state dental board.

Please contact the Missouri Dental Board director via email or phone and let them know that you want your teeth scaled by a dental hygienist! 

(573) 751-0040

brian.barnett@pr.mo.gov