What is a requirement for selecting prescribed extra-oral appliances?

Selecting prescribed extra-oral appliances requires pre-selection and no final fit adjustments. This is because dental hygienists are trained to assist in the selection process based on the criteria set by the dental provider or dentist. The appliances are generally pre-fabricated and designed to fit a range of patients, meaning that the hygienist's role is to ensure the correct model and size are chosen based on the dentist's prescription.

Once the appropriate appliance is pre-selected, the hygienist does not make final adjustments, as adjustments would typically fall outside the scope of practice for hygienists unless specifically directed by a dentist. This policy helps in maintaining the integrity of the treatment plan and ensures patient safety, as any final adjustments might require additional expertise and knowledge related to the appliance’s intricate functioning.

In summary, the emphasis on pre-selection reinforces the collaborative relationship between dental hygienists and dentists, whereby the hygienist acts within their defined professional boundaries while ensuring the patient receives an appropriate appliance as prescribed by the dentist.