Where is the original prescription for dental hygiene services given?

The original prescription for dental hygiene services is given to the patient. This is significant because the patient plays a central role in the dental care process, and having the original prescription allows them to understand the specific services they are referred for, schedule their appointments accordingly, and maintain a clear record of their treatment plan.

Providing the prescription directly to the patient also ensures that they have all necessary information to communicate with their dental provider, and it may facilitate better coordination of care and follow-up. Involving the patient in this way is consistent with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent, allowing individuals to be actively engaged in their own healthcare decisions.

In contrast, delivering a prescription to the dental office or the referring dentist may serve administrative or logistical purposes, but it does not provide the patient with the direct information they need regarding their dental hygiene services. Sending it to an insurance company does not align with the primary focus on patient engagement and informed consent, as the insurance company does not have a direct role in the patient's treatment planning from the perspective of active engagement in care.