What is the primary difference between general supervision and direct supervision?

The primary difference between general supervision and direct supervision lies in the presence and involvement of the dentist during the procedures performed by dental hygienists. Under general supervision, the dentist does not need to be physically present on the premises, allowing the dental hygienist to perform certain tasks independently based on the standing orders or prior authorization given by the dentist. This enables a more flexible working environment, where the hygienist can provide care to patients without immediate oversight, as long as the treatments are within the scope of what has been agreed upon.

In contrast, direct supervision requires that a dentist is physically present in the facility and is involved in overseeing the procedures being performed by the dental hygienist. This means that the dentist must be available to provide guidance and intervention if necessary, which is not the case under general supervision.

The other options provide incorrect interpretations or misunderstandings of these supervision types. The statement suggesting that direct supervision allows dental hygienists to work independently misrepresents the requirement for dentist oversight. Similarly, claiming that general supervision permits treatment without authorization undermines the need for dental hygienists to have standing orders or prior verbal consent. Lastly, the assertion that the terms are synonymous disregards the significant differences in supervision responsibilities.