Which task can a dental hygienist perform without direct supervision of a dentist?

A dental hygienist can perform the task of re-cementing crowns under specific guidelines without the direct supervision of a dentist. This task falls within the scope of practice for dental hygienists as outlined by Florida law, which allows them to carry out certain procedures independently when they are well defined and do not require direct oversight.

The guidelines ensure that the hygienist has the necessary training and follows specific protocols to safely and effectively re-cement a crown, making it a procedure that can be executed autonomously in a manner that protects patient health.

In contrast, complex oral surgery requires a dentist's direct supervision due to the intricate nature of the procedures and the level of skill and expertise necessary, which cannot be delegated to a hygienist. General patient examinations, while they may involve significant assessment skills, typically still require the oversight or final approval of a dentist due to the necessity of diagnostic capabilities for treatment planning. Providing anesthesia is another area that usually mandates a dentist's direct involvement because of the potential risks and complications associated with administering anesthetic agents.