In a typical prophylaxis workflow, who performs prophylaxis and who diagnoses and plans treatment?

• A. Hygienist performs prophylaxis; Dentist diagnoses, develops treatment plan, and supervises.
• B. Dentist performs prophylaxis; Hygienist diagnoses, develops plan, and supervises.
• C. Hygienist diagnoses and performs prophylaxis; Dentist approves.
• D. Assistant performs prophylaxis; Dentist supervises.

Answer: (A)

In a typical prophylaxis workflow, the hygienist handles the preventive cleaning, while the dentist is responsible for diagnosing the patient, developing the treatment plan, and supervising the overall care. Prophylaxis—removing plaque and calculus and polishing teeth—is within the hygienist’s licensed duties and is performed under the dentist’s supervision. The dentist conducts the examination, identifies issues, and determines what treatment is needed, then guides and approves the plan. An assistant generally supports the team but does not independently perform prophylaxis or diagnose. This division of roles is what makes the described arrangement the standard: the hygienist performs prophylaxis, and the dentist diagnoses, plans, and supervises.