Under what type of supervision can an RDH administer local anesthesia?

An RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) can administer local anesthesia under direct supervision. Direct supervision is defined in the context of dental hygiene practice as the dentist being physically present in the treatment facility while the hygienist performs procedures. This means the dentist must be available to intervene if necessary, ensuring that the hygienist's actions are monitored closely.

The rationale for requiring direct supervision for administering local anesthesia is due to the complexities and risks associated with the procedure. By ensuring that a licensed dentist is on-site, the practice maintains an appropriate level of safety and oversight, which is crucial given the potential for complications such as allergic reactions or incorrect administration of the anesthetic.

In contrast, other types of supervision, such as indirect and general supervision, do not meet the same stringent requirements. Indirect supervision allows the dentist to be present in the facility but does not necessitate their immediate availability during procedures, while general supervision permits the dental hygienist to carry out tasks without any dentist present, which is not appropriate for the administration of local anesthesia due to the need for immediate professional oversight.