10 areas of potential liability for dental hygienists

Know your greatest areas of professional vulnerability—and what to do about them.

Do you think malpractice insurance is just for dentists?

Many hygienists make the mistake of assuming they won't be named in a lawsuit, or that their employer's policy would cover them. While hygienists are not sued nearly as often as doctors, this scenario isn't impossible. Find out the top 10 areas of potential liability for RDHs in this helpful gallery from DentistryIQ.

Practice management and hygiene expert Dianne Watterson, MBA, RDH, wrote extensively about malpractice considerations as a contributor for RDH and DentistryIQ. Here are her top 10 areas of potential liability for hygienists, with updated resources.

Read more:

Prevention vs. prosecution: Malpractice and the dental hygienist

Top reasons hygienists are sued

Protecting the practice from malpractice

About the Author

Amelia Williamson DeStefano

Group Editorial Director

Amelia Williamson DeStefano, MA, is group editorial director of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group, where she leads the publication of high-quality content that empowers oral-health professionals to advance patient well-being, succeed in business, and cultivate professional joy and fulfillment. She holds a master's in English Literature from the University of Tulsa and has worked in dental media since 2015.

Updated May 16, 2023

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