What does general supervision allow an RDA to do?

General supervision permits a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) to perform certain tasks on a patient, provided that these actions are carried out under the direction of a dentist. Specifically, this supervisory model means that the dentist has given instructions regarding the task to be performed, although they do not need to be physically present in the office at the time the functions are performed. This allows the RDA to provide care efficiently while ensuring that the dentist's treatment plan is being executed properly.

This distinction is critical because it highlights the level of autonomy an RDA has under general supervision, allowing for necessary patient care while maintaining compliance with legal and safety standards established in dental practices. In contrast, other scenarios where an RDA might work independently or without consulting the dentist would not align with the principles of general supervision and the specific regulations that govern dental assisting practices.