Which of the following is NOT a requirement for dental hygienists to practice independently?

Maintaining communication with a supervising dentist is not a requirement for dental hygienists to practice independently. In fact, independent practice often implies that dental hygienists have the capacity to perform their duties without the direct oversight of a dentist.

In Kentucky, dental hygienists who seek to practice independently must establish a practice centered on providing dental hygiene services, ensuring they have the necessary licenses and registrations to perform those services legally. Additionally, offering patient education programs is often an important component of their roles, as education plays a crucial part in preventive dental care.

Choosing to maintain communication with a supervising dentist does not align with the concept of independent practice, where the hygienist operates autonomously, which makes this choice the correct answer in identifying what is NOT a requirement for independent practice in dental hygiene in Kentucky.