What type of supervision is required for X-rays?

In the context of dental hygiene practice in New Jersey, the correct supervision required for taking X-rays is either direct or general supervision. This means that a licensed dentist must be involved in the process, but they do not necessarily need to be present during the actual procedure.

Direct supervision involves the dentist being physically present at the facility while the X-rays are taken and being available to provide immediate assistance or guidance. General supervision, on the other hand, allows the dental hygienist to perform the procedure without the dentist being on-site, as long as the dentist has authorized the dental hygienist to do so and has evaluated the patient's condition beforehand.

This flexibility in supervision types reflects the value placed on the dental hygienist's training and skills while ensuring patient safety and maintaining a level of professional oversight by a dentist. Recognizing the importance of effective delegation in dental practice allows for better workflow and efficient patient care, which is critical in a clinical environment.