For which task is general supervision required?

General supervision in dental hygiene practice means that a licensed dentist must be present in the facility but does not need to be physically present in the treatment room while hygienists perform certain tasks. Polishing clinical crowns falls under the category of tasks that require general supervision because it involves an essential procedure that can impact the quality of dental restorations and the patient's oral health. This level of supervision ensures that the dentist remains accountable for the patient's overall care while allowing hygienists to perform necessary tasks within their scope of practice.

Taking impressions for occlusal guards, securing archwires, and cementing permanent bridges often require more direct oversight due to their complexity or potential implications for patient treatment and outcomes, thus they may not be performed under general supervision without direct involvement from a dentist.