How does general supervision differ from direct supervision?

General supervision is characterized by the dentist not needing to be physically present in the office while dental assistants perform specific tasks, as long as those tasks are within their scope of practice. This type of supervision allows trained personnel, such as Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs), to provide certain types of patient care independently, as long as they follow the protocols established by the supervising dentist.

In contrast, direct supervision requires the dentist to be present in the office and to evaluate the work performed before the patient is discharged. The dentist must oversee and approve the tasks being performed in real-time, which creates a more immediate and hands-on supervisory relationship.

Understanding this distinction is vital for RDAs and others working in dental practices to ensure they are adhering to legal and practice guidelines while maximizing efficiency and patient care within the established regulations.