Who in the dental office is allowed to measure periodontal pockets?

The measurement of periodontal pockets is a critical part of assessing a patient's oral health, particularly for diagnosing periodontal disease. Both dentists and hygienists are trained and authorized to perform this procedure.

Dentists have the comprehensive education and clinical expertise required to assess periodontal health, and they may do additional evaluations as part of a patient's treatment plan. Hygienists, on the other hand, focus on preventative care and have the specialized training needed to measure pocket depths accurately and assess gum health.

While dental assistants provide essential support in the dental office, they generally do not have the formal training or scope of practice to perform periodontal assessments independently. Therefore, the correct answer reflects that both dentists and hygienists play a vital role in measuring periodontal pockets, thereby ensuring a thorough assessment of periodontal health.