What type of supervision is required for prophylaxis?

Prophylaxis, which refers to the cleaning and preventive care provided by dental hygienists, can be performed under both direct and general supervision, depending on the regulations set forth by the state of New Jersey.

Direct supervision means that a licensed dentist must be physically present in the dental office while the hygienist performs the procedure. This allows for immediate oversight and guidance by the dentist. General supervision, on the other hand, allows the dental hygienist to perform the procedure without a dentist being present but requires that the hygienist be authorized to do so by the dentist.

The flexibility of allowing either direct or general supervision for prophylaxis reflects the trust placed in trained dental hygienists to execute these procedures safely and effectively, contributing to the overall patient care process. This dual supervision requirement ensures that practices can adapt to various clinical situations while still maintaining a standard of care and safety for patients.