What is the maximum number of dental hygienists that can work under a single dentist’s supervision at one time?

The maximum number of dental hygienists that can work under a single dentist’s supervision at one time is three. This regulation is established to ensure appropriate oversight and to maintain a standard of care in dental practice. It allows for a dentist to effectively manage and supervise the activities of the dental hygienists while ensuring patient safety and the quality of care provided.

This level of supervision prevents situations where a dentist may be overwhelmed by having too many hygienists working simultaneously, which can potentially compromise the quality of supervision and patient outcomes. By limiting the number to three, the regulation aims to balance operational efficiency with necessary oversight, allowing for a healthy working dynamic in a dental practice.