What does indirect supervision require from the dentist?

Indirect supervision in the context of dental hygiene practice entails that the dentist retains a level of oversight without needing to be physically present during the procedure. Rather, the dentist must provide general guidance and be available for consultation, though they don't need to be in the office while the hygienist is performing their duties.

The correct understanding of indirect supervision indicates that the dentist must be reachable and give written or verbal authorization for specific procedures beforehand. This ensures the hygienist has the necessary directives while not requiring the dentist to physically observe the procedure in real-time. Thus, the effective management of care is maintained while granting hygienists some autonomy in their practice.

In the context of practice regulations, this approach empowers hygienists to utilize their training to deliver care efficiently while still keeping the dentist informed and involved in the treatment planning and oversight process.