Under which type of supervision may the dentist not be present in the facility?

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

Answer: (A)

Supervision levels determine how closely a dentist must be involved during procedures performed by auxiliaries. In general supervision, the dentist has diagnosed and prescribed the treatment but does not need to be physically present in the facility for the procedure to be performed; the auxiliary can proceed with the care as long as the dentist remains available for consultation and has authorized the procedure. This is why general supervision is the type under which the dentist may not be present in the facility.

In direct supervision, the dentist must be in the treatment room with the patient during the procedure. In indirect supervision, the dentist must be in the same office and readily available, though not necessarily in the room. Personal supervision implies the dentist is personally present and directly supervising in the room.