# WAC 246-815-160: WAC 246-815-160. Standards of dental hygiene practice

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_160

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 246-815-160
- **Heading:** WAC 246-815-160. Standards of dental hygiene practice
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 246 / Chapter 246-815 / Section 246-815-160

## Text

A dental hygienist working under the appropriate supervision of a licensed dentist shall perform the following tasks:
(1) Assessment, which must include:
(a) Documentation of patient history.
(i) Recording current and past dental oral health care; and
(ii) Collection of health history data including the patient's:
(A) Current and past health status;
(B) Pharmacologic considerations;
(C) Additional considerations;
(D) Record vital signs and compare with previous readings; and
(E) Consultation with appropriate health care provider(s) as indicated.
(b) A comprehensive clinical evaluation:
(i) An inspection of the head and neck and oral cavity including an oral cancer screening, evaluation of trauma and a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment;
(ii) Evaluation for further diagnostics including radiographs;
(iii) Comprehensive periodontal evaluation that includes the documentation of:
(A) Full mouth periodontal charting:
(I) Probing depths;
(II) Bleeding points;
(III) Suppuration;
(IV) Mucogingival relationship and defects;
(V) Recession;
(VI) Attachment level or loss.
(B) Presence, degree and distribution of plaque and calculus;
(C) Gingival health and disease;
(D) Bone height and bone loss;
(E) Mobility and fremitus;
(F) Presence, location and extent of furcation involvement; and
(G) A comprehensive hard tissue evaluation that includes the charting conditions and oral habits to include:
(I) Demineralization;
(II) Caries;
(III) Defects;
(IV) Sealants;
(V) Existing restorations and potential needs;
(VI) Anomalies;
(VII) Occlusion;
(VIII) Fixed and removable prostheses; and
(IX) Missing teeth.
(c) Risk assessments.
(2) A dental hygiene analysis of assessment findings. The dental hygienist shall:
(a) Analyze and interpret all assessment data to evaluate clinical findings and formulate the dental hygiene care plan;
(b) Determine patient needs that can be improved through the delivery of dental hygiene care; and
VII) Occlusion;
(VIII) Fixed and removable prostheses; and
(IX) Missing teeth.
(c) Risk assessments.
(2) A dental hygiene analysis of assessment findings. The dental hygienist shall:
(a) Analyze and interpret all assessment data to evaluate clinical findings and formulate the dental hygiene care plan;
(b) Determine patient needs that can be improved through the delivery of dental hygiene care; and
(c) Incorporate the dental hygiene care plan into the overall dental treatment plan.
(3) Dental hygiene care planning. The dental hygienist shall:
(a) Identify, prioritize and sequence dental hygiene intervention;
(b) Coordinate resources to facilitate comprehensive quality care;
(c) Collaborate with the dentist and other health and dental care providers and community-based oral health programs;
(d) Present and document dental hygiene care plan to patient;
(e) Explain treatment rationale, risks, benefits, anticipated outcomes, treatment alternatives, and prognosis; and
(f) Obtain and document informed consent or informed refusal.
(4) Care plan implementation. The dental hygienist shall:
(a) Review and implement the dental hygiene care plan with the patient or caregiver;
(b) Modify the plan as necessary and obtain consent;
(c) Communicate with patient or caregiver appropriate for age, language, culture and learning style; and
(d) Confirm the plan for continuing care.
(5) Dental hygiene evaluation. The dental hygienist shall:
(a) Use measurable assessment criteria to evaluate the outcomes of dental hygiene care;
(b) Communicate to the patient, dentists and other health/dental care providers the outcomes of dental hygiene care; and
(c) Collaborate to determine the need for additional diagnostics, treatment, referral education and continuing care based on treatment outcomes and self-care behaviors.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 246-815-010 WAC 246-815-010. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_010.md)
- [WAC 246-815-020 WAC 246-815-020. Dental hygiene licensure — Eligibility and application requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_020.md)
- [WAC 246-815-030 WAC 246-815-030. Dental hygiene and expanded functions education program requirements for licensure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_030.md)
- [WAC 246-815-050 WAC 246-815-050. Dental hygiene clinical examination](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_050.md)
- [WAC 246-815-100 WAC 246-815-100. Licensure by interstate endorsement of credentials](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_100.md)
- [WAC 246-815-110 WAC 246-815-110. Application procedures for approval of non-CODA accredited dental hygiene expanded functions education programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_110.md)
- [WAC 246-815-130 WAC 246-815-130. Curriculum requirements for expanded functions dental hygiene education programs approval](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_130.md)
- [WAC 246-815-140 WAC 246-815-140. Continuing education and renewal requirements for dental hygienists](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_140.md)
- [WAC 246-815-145 WAC 246-815-145. Dental hygiene health equity training requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_145.md)
- [WAC 246-815-155 WAC 246-815-155. Dental hygienist suicide prevention education](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_155.md)
- [WAC 246-815-160 WAC 246-815-160. Standards of dental hygiene practice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_160.md)
- [WAC 246-815-164 WAC 246-815-164. Patient record content](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_164.md)
- [WAC 246-815-166 WAC 246-815-166. Patient record retention and accessibility requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_166.md)
- [WAC 246-815-250 WAC 246-815-250. Cooperation with investigation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_250.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_246_815_160. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.