Which of the following is a requirement for patients treated by a dental hygienist in an affiliated practice?

In the context of Nevada's dental hygienist regulations, a critical requirement for patients treated by a dental hygienist in an affiliated practice is that they must have seen a dentist within the last year. This stipulation ensures that patients maintain a level of oral health oversight and have had a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed dentist, which is vital for enabling appropriate and safe care by the dental hygienist.

The affiliation between the dental hygienist and a dentist means that hygienists can provide services under the supervision of a dentist, who must be aware of the patient's dental history and overall oral health needs. This requirement helps in preventing any treatment that may be inappropriate or risky due to undetected dental issues that a dentist would typically identify during an examination.

While practices such as payment in advance, insurance coverage, or residency restrictions may be relevant to some practices, they are not mandated requirements specific to the affiliated practice framework for dental hygienists in Nevada. The patient-dentist relationship established by having visited a dentist within the last year is a fundamental aspect of ensuring requisite continuity and quality of care.