Which of the following scenarios would exemplify Direct Access Supervision?

Direct Access Supervision allows dental hygienists to provide certain services without requiring a dentist’s prior approval for each treatment. In this context, performing a fluoride treatment independently illustrates this model effectively. Here, the hygienist does not need to wait for a dentist’s authorization for this specific procedure, which emphasizes the autonomy granted under direct access supervision.

The other scenarios highlight different levels of supervision. For example, requiring a dentist's approval before any treatment reflects a more traditional, restrictive supervision model where the dentist must be involved in decision-making for all patient care actions. Referring all complex cases to a dentist shows a situation where the hygienist is acknowledging their boundaries and depending on the dentist’s expertise, rather than operating independently. Finally, only cleaning teeth in the presence of a dentist clearly indicates a model of supervision that mandates continuous oversight, which does not align with the principles of direct access supervision.