What does general supervision entail?

General supervision refers to a situation in which a dentist is not physically present in the office but has provided specific instructions for the performance of a procedure. This means that dental professionals, such as dental hygienists or assistants, are allowed to carry out certain tasks independently as long as they follow the directions and protocols set out by the dentist.

In this context, understanding that general supervision establishes a framework where dental team members can perform duties while still adhering to the dentist's initial guidance is crucial. This allows for operational efficiency and flexibility in patient care, ensuring that tasks can be carried out even when the dentist is unavailable on-site.

The other options illustrate different levels of supervision. When a dentist is always physically present, it describes direct supervision. In situations where the dentist gives verbal instructions without the intention of ongoing oversight, it reflects more of an informal or non-specific guidance rather than formal supervision. Monitoring remotely does not align with the definition of general supervision, as it implies a level of continuous oversight, which is not part of the general supervision scope.