Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels
The supervision spectrum
Arkansas uses a tiered supervision model. Direct supervision means the dentist is physically present in the office and has authorized the procedure; general supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedure but need not be on site; indirect or personal supervision appears in some contexts and should be distinguished carefully. The single most tested concept is which procedures may be delegated at which level.
Hygienists
Hygienists perform prophylaxis, scaling, polishing, radiographs, and patient education, generally under general supervision once the dentist has examined the patient and authorized care. Some settings (e.g., public health, school-based programs) may have special provisions. Traps arise when a question assumes a hygienist may independently diagnose or perform procedures reserved to dentists.
Assistants
Dental assistants may perform reversible, non-diagnostic tasks under direct supervision, including suctioning, retraction, radiographs (if certified as required), and expanded functions only where the board has authorized them. Irreversible procedures - cutting hard or soft tissue, diagnosis, prescribing - remain with the dentist.
Worked example
A patient presents with pain; the dentist is out of town and the assistant wants to take a radiograph and place a temporary restoration. Under direct supervision rules, neither may proceed without the dentist's presence and authorization. Rule of thumb: diagnosis and irreversible treatment are never delegable; delegation questions turn on supervision level plus the specific procedure list.
Trap patterns
Questions often swap 'may' and 'must,' or describe a procedure as delegable when only the dentist may perform it.