Which dental professional is NOT allowed to temporize inlays?

The dental hygienist is not permitted to temporize inlays due to the scope of practice defined by state laws and regulations governing dental professionals. While dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive care and patient education, their training does not typically extend to the legal and clinical responsibilities associated with temporizing dental restorations such as inlays.

Temporizing procedures require specific clinical judgment and skills that are primarily performed by licensed dentists, who are trained to assess a patient's overall dental health and determine appropriate treatments. Licensed dental assistants may be permitted to assist with certain procedures under the supervision of a dentist, depending on the regulations in their state, which can include temporizing inlays.

General dentists, as licensed practitioners, hold the necessary credentials to perform comprehensive dental procedures, including temporization. Dental technicians, while skilled in the fabrication of dental prostheses, do not engage in direct patient care or clinical procedures, including temporization. Therefore, the role of the dental hygienist is limited in this context, making it clear why they cannot temporize inlays.