What is the definition of general supervision in dental practice?

General supervision in dental practice refers to a scenario where a dentist provides authorization for certain procedures to be performed by dental hygienists or other auxiliary dental staff without the dentist needing to be physically present during those procedures. This level of supervision allows dental hygienists to carry out their duties, such as cleanings or assessments, based on procedures that have been predetermined and authorized by the dentist, facilitating efficient patient care while ensuring that the care provided is in line with the dentist's overall treatment plan.

In contrast, the other options describe levels of supervision that are more restrictive. The first option indicates that a dentist must be present during all procedures, which would refer to direct supervision rather than general supervision. The third option suggests direct oversight by the dentist, which again falls under direct supervision. The last option implies that hygienists can operate completely independently, which does not align with the requirement for a dentist's prior authorization under general supervision. Thus, the correct understanding of general supervision is captured by the provision of authorized procedures without necessitating the dentist's presence during their execution.