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    ​​Certification Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPGs)

    ​CSPG 75 - Dental Hygienist (PK-12)

    ​Educational Specialist Area Code 1830
    Modified: August 17, 2023

    Dental Hygiene instruction is the art and science of addressing the dental care needs of school-aged children, PK-12.

    General information

    A Dental Hygienist serving in a Pennsylvania public school must hold a Dental Hygienist license issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State and be certified as a School Dental Hygienist by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

    Grade Level Scope of Certificate

    A person holding a valid PA certificate for Dental Hygienist is qualified to provide preventative dental hygiene services to students in grades PK-12.

    Certification Assignment

    An educator holding a valid PA Dental Hygienist certificate is qualified to:

    • Develop and present educational and preventative dental health programs and services to students;
    • Provide supplemental instruction in the care and preservation of teeth, dental appliances, and dental hygiene; and
    • Perform dental screenings to students in lieu of a dentist's exam.

    Restrictions

    • A Dental Hygienist may not serve as a teacher of dental procedures as this requires a vocational instructional certificate.
    • A State Board of Dentistry certificate does not meet the requirement for certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

    References

    Program Specific Guidelines for Certification

    24 P.S.§12-1202
    24 P.S. §12-1212
    24 P.S. §14-1401
    24 P.S. §14-1403
    24 P.S. §16-1604
    22 Pa. Code §49.11
    22 Pa. Code §49.101 – 4.105
    28 PA Code §23.35
    49 Pa. Code §33.205

    This revision supersedes all earlier Certification Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPGs) carrying this number and/or addressing this subject. Previous printing dates on this subject: 1973, 3/75, 3/78, 2/82, 1/87, 7/04

    Summary of Changes

    ​Date of Revisions
    		​Major Changes to CSPG #75
    ​8/17/2023
    		​Updated formatting and terminology
    ​3/1/2018
    		​Added information to clarify the CSPG.