What is required for a dental hygienist to provide services in a nursing home?

The correct choice stipulates that a dentist must examine the client within the previous 12 months for a dental hygienist to provide services in a nursing home. This requirement is in place to ensure that patients receive appropriate and necessary dental care based on a recent examination. It highlights the importance of having a dentist's assessment to determine the individual's dental needs, treatment plan, and any health considerations that may impact their care.

This approach aligns with the overarching principles of patient safety and standards of care within the dental profession, ensuring that dental hygienists operate within the framework established by dental boards and regulatory bodies.

The other options do not meet these critical patient safety and professional standards. Allowing only verbal approval from a nurse would lack the necessary dental oversight for individual patient needs. The statement that there are no requirements is misleading, as regulations governing dental hygiene practice directly address the need for an oversight structure by a dentist. Lastly, requiring the dentist to be present at all times is impractical and not reflective of the typical delegation of duties within the dental team, which allows hygienists to work independently while still under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.