Final answer:
The dental hygienist is using a technique known as active listening.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) Active listening.
Active listening is a technique used by dental hygienists to demonstrate understanding and empathy towards their patients. In this scenario, the dental hygienist is paraphrasing the patient's statement and reflecting it back to them, showing that they have listened and understood what the patient said.
Using active listening can help build trust and rapport with patients and also allows the dental hygienist to gather valuable information that can be used to provide appropriate oral health recommendations and education.