Just last year, Canada began allowing dental hygienists to open private practices. According to an article at OTTAWACITIZEN.com, the reason fueling the decision had to do with serving the underserved. That vision has not become reality. Over one thousand Canadian hygienists are now legally allowed to practice independently from a dentist. While insurance companies and patients look kindly on the 25 to 30% reduced fee for dental cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and patient education, patients aren’t standing in line for appointments. And hygienists aren’t knocking down the doors of senior citizens’ centers to provide low-cost care, either. In fact, the concept is having a hard time taking off. Here in the States, Colorado allowed hygienists to go solo years ago, and as is happening in Canada, the general public seems to prefer the dentist’s office to the hygienist’s.
SOURCE: OTTAWACITIZEN.com