When a registered dental assistant who performs extraoral duties works under the dentist, what level of supervision is required?

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

Answer: (B)

General supervision is the level used here. It means the dentist has authorized the task and is available for consultation, but does not need to be physically present in the room or necessarily in the same building for the procedure to be performed. Extraoral duties are activities done away from the mouth, so they can be carried out under the dentist’s oversight without the dentist needing to be on-site for every step. The dentist remains responsible, having provided the plan and instructions, and can step in if guidance is needed. Direct supervision would require the dentist to be in the room, while indirect supervision requires the dentist to be in the same building and readily available; general supervision allows the RDA to work under the dentist’s overall oversight without being present for the procedure itself.