A hygienist can delegate an assistant to help perform which of the following tasks?

A dental hygienist can delegate an assistant to help with the application of sealants because this task falls within the scope of practice that can be assigned to a dental assistant under the supervision of a licensed dentist or hygienist. The application of sealants is a preventive procedure aimed at protecting the teeth from decay, and it is common practice to allow trained assistants to perform this specific task to enhance the efficiency of patient care within the dental office.

Delegating the application of sealants takes advantage of the skill set that dental assistants are trained for while still working under the hygienist's and dentist's direction. This collaboration helps ensure that patients receive timely and effective preventive care.

In contrast, the other tasks listed—removing sutures, applying whitening agents, and scheduling appointments—are not typically tasks that can be delegated in the same way. Removing sutures generally requires more advanced clinical judgment and should be performed by a licensed practitioner. Applying whitening agents often involves procedures that must be conducted under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, as there can be significant variations in patient response and outcomes. Scheduling appointments, while an important administrative task, does not fall under clinical delegation and is typically within the administrative realm of the dental office staff.