In a non-health access setting, under what type of supervision must a hygienist perform sealants?

In a non-health access setting, a dental hygienist performs sealants under general supervision. General supervision means that the dentist has authorized the procedures to be performed but does not need to be physically present in the facility when the hygienist is completing the task. This type of supervision allows for greater flexibility in the delivery of preventive care, such as sealants, especially in settings where access to a dentist may be limited or where hygienists are part of a wider public health initiative.

This distinction is crucial as it defines the scope of practice for hygienists and outlines the operational boundaries within which they can work. In general supervision scenarios, hygienists can provide services like sealants on patients as long as they follow established protocols and scopes defined by the dental practice act and the regulations governing the practice of dental hygiene in Florida.