What supervision type involves a dentist being present and authorizing the procedure performed by a dental hygienist?

The type of supervision that requires a dentist to be present and to authorize the procedure performed by a dental hygienist is known as direct supervision. In this scenario, the dentist not only gives prior approval for the procedure but is also physically present in the facility when the dental hygienist performs the task. This level of oversight ensures that the dentist can immediately assess and intervene if necessary, which enhances patient safety and maintains high standards in dental care.

Understanding the nuances of the various supervision types is crucial for dental professionals. While general supervision allows a dental hygienist to perform tasks without the dentist being physically present, it still requires the dentist to have previously authorized the procedures. Indirect supervision also involves the dentist's authorization but may not require their immediate presence when the procedure is ongoing. Non-supervised means that there is no oversight from a dentist at all, which typically is not applicable to practice settings in dentistry where supervision is mandated for safety and legal reasons.