Scope of Practice, Supervision Levels, and Delegated Duties
This domain tests what a dental hygienist may do, who may delegate it, and what level of dentist supervision is required.
Scope
Dental hygiene practice includes assessment, prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, polishing, topical fluoride, sealants, radiographs, and patient education. The hygienist may not diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or provide irreversible treatment. The dentist remains responsible for the overall treatment plan and for delegating only permitted duties.
Supervision levels
Under direct supervision, the dentist is physically present in the office, has examined the patient, and is available to evaluate the result. Under general supervision, the dentist has authorized the service but need not be on site; law and rule specify which services qualify and any prior exam requirement. Some public health settings may have special conditions, but they do not create independent practice.
Delegation
Only tasks within the hygienist's scope and supervision level may be delegated. The hygienist should not accept a task outside scope even if the dentist requests it; both licensee and delegator can face discipline.
Worked example
A hygienist is scheduled in a remote clinic under general supervision. The patient needs local anesthesia, which requires a permit and direct supervision. She cannot administer it without the dentist present; she should reschedule or arrange dentist coverage.
Traps
Do not read 'general supervision' as 'no supervision.' Do not assume a dentist's presence authorizes any task. Do not let the title 'hygienist' imply independent diagnosis or prescription authority.