What type of supervision allows a dental hygienist to remove sutures?

The correct answer is that the type of supervision allowing a dental hygienist to remove sutures is direct supervision. Under direct supervision, a dentist must be physically present in the office to oversee the procedure and ensure that the dental hygienist is performing their duties rightly and safely. This level of supervision is crucial for tasks such as removing sutures, which require an understanding of the patient's specific dental and medical history, as well as the potential for immediate intervention if complications arise during the procedure.

In a dental practice setting, direct supervision ensures that the hygienist can perform more complex tasks while maintaining patient safety through the dentist's oversight. This setup fosters a collaborative environment where the dentist can assist or provide guidance as necessary, ensuring a high standard of care.

In contrast, general supervision allows a dental hygienist to perform certain procedures without the dentist being on-site, but removing sutures generally does not fall under this category due to the delicacy and potential risks involved. Indirect supervision also implies that a dentist is available, but not necessarily present during the procedure, which would not be suitable for suture removal. Finally, no supervision would not allow for any dental work to be performed safely, especially for procedures that require professional assessment before and after the intervention.