​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