For a registered dental assistant (DA) trained in expanded functions, what type of supervision is needed for performing those functions?

For a registered dental assistant (DA) trained in expanded functions, what type of supervision is needed for performing those functions?

• A. General supervision
• B. Direct supervision
• C. Indirect supervision
• D. Observational supervision

Answer: (A)

For a registered dental assistant trained in expanded functions, the appropriate type of supervision required is general supervision. This means that the dental assistant can perform certain tasks and procedures without the dentist's direct presence, as long as the dentist has authorized those procedures in advance. General supervision allows the dental assistant to operate more independently within the confines of their training and authority, facilitating efficiency in patient care. This autonomy is essential, as it enables dental assistants to contribute effectively to the dental team while ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards. In contrast, other forms of supervision, such as direct or indirect supervision, would require the dentist to be present or to provide more immediate oversight, which is not necessary for the functions that fall under general supervision. Observational supervision does not convey the practice of the dental assistant performing tasks but rather implies that they are merely watching or learning, which does not align with the independence granted under general supervision for expanded functions.

For a registered dental assistant trained in expanded functions, the appropriate type of supervision required is general supervision. This means that the dental assistant can perform certain tasks and procedures without the dentist's direct presence, as long as the dentist has authorized those procedures in advance.

General supervision allows the dental assistant to operate more independently within the confines of their training and authority, facilitating efficiency in patient care. This autonomy is essential, as it enables dental assistants to contribute effectively to the dental team while ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

In contrast, other forms of supervision, such as direct or indirect supervision, would require the dentist to be present or to provide more immediate oversight, which is not necessary for the functions that fall under general supervision. Observational supervision does not convey the practice of the dental assistant performing tasks but rather implies that they are merely watching or learning, which does not align with the independence granted under general supervision for expanded functions.