What essential task involving vital signs can dental hygienists perform under general supervision?

Dental hygienists can perform the essential task of recording blood pressure under general supervision because this task falls within their scope of practice and contributes to patient assessment before dental procedures. Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is crucial for understanding a patient's overall health status and potential risk factors for dental treatments.

It's important to note that general supervision allows dental hygienists to work independently, as long as they are working within the directives established by the dentist. The responsibility of recording blood pressure does not involve complex or invasive procedures and does not require the same level of direct oversight that other tasks may demand.

In contrast, tasks such as administering anesthesia, extracting teeth, and performing cleanings typically require more stringent supervision or specific licensure and training due to their complexity and potential impact on patient safety. Such procedures often fall under the responsibilities of a dentist or require direct supervision due to the inherent risks involved.