What type of supervision requires a dentist to remain on the premises during procedures?

Direct supervision is characterized by the dentist being physically present in the office and available to oversee dental procedures performed by dental hygienists or dental assistants. This level of supervision allows the dentist to provide immediate assistance if necessary, ensuring that patient care adheres to safety and quality standards. Under direct supervision, the dentist must examine the patient before the procedure and may need to be present during certain critical parts of the procedure, fostering a collaborative practice environment. This is particularly important in complex or potentially risky procedures, where the dentist's expertise is crucial in providing guidance and oversight.

Indirect supervision, on the other hand, permits the dental hygienist or assistant to perform certain tasks with the dentist's authorizing instruction but does not require the dentist to be physically present in the office. General supervision allows dental hygienists or assistants to perform procedures as long as they are trained and authorized, without the dentist needing to personally oversee the procedure, while non-supervised practices imply no oversight from a dentist at all.