title: Parallels between the Development of the Nurse Practitioner and the Advancement of the Dental Hygienist.
abstract: Dental hygienists have often been described as the registered nurses of the dental field. Similar parallels also exist between the development of the nurse practitioner from the nursing profession and the evolution of the dental hygiene practice and profession. This article explores 3 major similarities between the professions of nurse practitioner and dental hygienist. Public health issues, educational constructs, and the social and political environments shaping each profession are discussed to inform dental hygienists of their potential career options for future expanded therapeutic care roles.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D003162:Competency-Based Education; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D011634:Public Health; D014481:United States
keywords: dental hygiene; mid-level provider; nurse practitioners; public health