Which document outlines the dentist's accountability for the patient's care?

The written prescription for hygienist services is the document that outlines the dentist's accountability for the patient's care. This prescription serves as a formal directive from the dentist to the dental hygienist, detailing the specific services to be rendered and the parameters under which those services are to be performed. It establishes a clear responsibility for the dentist concerning the patient's treatment, as it indicates that the dentist has assessed the patient’s needs and has prescribed an appropriate course of action.

Additionally, this document reflects the collaborative nature of dental care and the dental hygienist's role in executing the plan as outlined by the dentist. Through the written prescription, the dentist formalizes the treatment plan, thereby taking accountability for the outcomes related to the prescribed services.

While the dental hygiene practice act provides the regulatory framework that governs the practice of dental hygiene and outlines responsibilities for both dentists and hygienists, it does not specifically denote accountability in individual patient cases like a prescription does. The dentist's license indicates their qualifications but does not provide specifics about treatment accountability. The patient’s treatment plan can be important for guiding overall care, but it is the written prescription that directly links the dentist's accountability to the specific services performed by the dental hygienist.