Which dental professional has the authority to place and remove periodontal packs?

The ability to place and remove periodontal packs typically falls within the scope of practice for dental hygienists. This is due to their extensive training in certain clinical procedures that support patient care in periodontal treatment.

Dental hygienists are specifically trained to perform various procedures that contribute to the management of periodontal disease, including placing periodontal packs which help protect the surgical site and stabilize the gums during healing. Their education usually encompasses a full understanding of periodontal health and procedures integral to maintaining it.

While dentists and licensed dental assistants may have some involvement in periodontal care, the explicit training and scope of practice for dental hygienists specifically include the management of periodontal packs, aligning with their focus on preventive and therapeutic oral care.

Orthodontists primarily concentrate on tooth alignment and jaw relationships, and their practice does not usually encompass the placement or removal of periodontal packs as this falls outside their specialty. Similarly, while licensed dental assistants perform a variety of supportive tasks, they typically operate under the direct supervision of a dentist and may not have the authority to perform certain procedures independently, including those specifically related to periodontal treatment.