Which level of supervision applies when a dental hygienist marginate restorations?

When a dental hygienist is marginate restorations, the appropriate level of supervision applicable is indirect supervision. This means that a licensed dentist must be present in the dental practice, but does not need to be in the same room while the dental hygienist performs the procedure.

Indirect supervision allows the dental hygienist to make clinical decisions within their established scope of practice, reflecting the trust and professional autonomy granted to them under regulatory frameworks. In this case, while the dentist must be available for consultation and oversight, the hygienist operates with a degree of independence to carry out specific procedures, such as margination of restorations. This level of supervision is crucial, as it balances efficiency in patient care with the necessary oversight by a licensed dentist.

In contrast, direct supervision requires the dentist to be present in the room during the procedure, while general supervision means that the dentist has given a broad permission for procedures but does not need to be present at all. Limited supervision is less common and typically pertains to specific situations or settings, which do not apply in this context.