Under which level of supervision can a dental assistant apply topical anesthetic?

A dental assistant can apply topical anesthetic under direct supervision. In the context of dental practice, direct supervision means that a licensed dentist must be physically present in the dental office and is responsible for the procedures being performed. This level of supervision ensures that the dental assistant can perform specific tasks, such as applying topical anesthetic, while the dentist can provide immediate guidance and assistance if necessary.

The role of a dental assistant often involves support in various procedures, and applying topical anesthetic is a task that requires oversight to ensure patient safety and efficacy. The dentist's presence guarantees that any adverse reactions can be promptly managed.

Levels of supervision like indirect supervision typically require the dentist to be available but not necessarily in the immediate vicinity, which would not be suitable for a procedure that involves patient care directly. General supervision implies that the dentist has authorized the procedures, but they do not need to be present in the facility, which again does not align with the immediate nature of applying a topical anesthetic. Supervised does not denote a specific level of oversight in this context, making direct supervision the most appropriate and correct choice for this procedure.