Might a dental hygienist drill your teeth or give you fillings?

States vary: The procedures allowed for different auxiliary personnel varies from state to state. I am not aware of any state that allows hygienists to actually cut teeth with a dental drill, but I do know that some states allow specially trained dental personnel to place the restorations, under the dentist's supervision. The hygienist can polish your teeth with a rubber wheel and abrasive paste.

No: Some states have developed new mid level providers who can remove cavities and place fillings. These pilot programs have usually attracted former dental hygienists into their program. As a general rule hygienists can't drill a tooth or place a filling without additional certifcation and working in a state that permits this type of care.