Who is responsible for defining the levels of supervision in dental practices?

The Board of Dentistry is responsible for defining the levels of supervision in dental practices. This authority falls under the board's mandate to regulate dental practice standards, ensuring safe and effective delivery of dental care. The Board harmonizes the practice regulations with state laws and best practices in dentistry, providing guidelines on how dental hygienists and dental assistants operate under supervision.

By establishing clear supervision levels, the Board protects the public by ensuring that only qualified personnel perform procedures within their scope of practice. This level of oversight is crucial in promoting patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the dental profession.

On the other hand, while state dental associations and local dental boards may influence practice standards and advocate for the profession, the ultimate regulatory power resides with the Board of Dentistry as the authoritative body defined by state law. The American Dental Association, while an important national organization for dentists, does not set specific laws governing practice supervision in individual states, as these are determined by state regulatory boards.