In 2018, what was the key focus of the updates for dental hygienists working under public health supervision?

The updates made for dental hygienists working under public health supervision in 2018 focused on including new procedures. This change was significant because it allowed dental hygienists to expand their scope of practice and offer additional services that could directly benefit public health initiatives. By integrating new procedures, the regulations acknowledged the evolving nature of dental hygiene practices and the importance of addressing community health needs efficiently.

Increased practice settings, while a positive development for dental hygiene, was not the primary focus of the updates. The elimination of continuing education would undermine the professional growth and competency of dental hygienists, which is not a trend observed in legislative changes. Greater autonomy is indeed an important aspect of the profession's evolution, but the central update specifically emphasized the inclusion of new procedures as a crucial step in enhancing the effectiveness of dental hygiene services within public health frameworks.