Ace the Kansas Dental Hygiene Laws Test 2026 – Smile Your Way to Success!

In dental hygiene practice, liability for professional acts falls on both the hygienist and the supervising dentist. The hygienist has a duty to perform within their scope and to meet the standard of care for the procedures they conduct; if they act negligently or outside their permitted authority, they can be personally liable to the patient. The supervising dentist is responsible for the overall treatment plan and for supervising delegated procedures. If a delegated act causes harm, the dentist may be liable for negligent delegation or supervision, in addition to any direct liability the hygienist bears. Therefore, liability isn’t limited to one party; both can be accountable for the outcomes of delegated professional acts.