Which of the following tasks can a dental hygienist perform without needing supervision?

A dental hygienist can perform tasks without needing supervision when those tasks fall under the scope of practice defined by regulatory guidelines. Providing fluoride treatments is one such task that can typically be conducted independently by a dental hygienist. This is because fluoride treatments are considered preventive care measures aimed at improving oral health, and within the legislative framework governing dental hygiene practice, they are specifically authorized for hygienists to perform without direct supervision.

Other tasks, such as administering anesthesia, taking dental radiographs, and performing dental cleanings, usually require some level of supervision. These tasks can involve a higher degree of complexity or risk, necessitating oversight by a licensed dentist to ensure patient safety and adherence to proper protocols. Hence, while dental hygienists are crucial in contributing to patient care and oral health, specific procedures are delineated by law to ensure that they are conducted under appropriate supervision whenever necessary.