What level of supervision is necessary for nurses to apply topical fluorides approved by the ADA?

In Florida, the application of topical fluorides approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) falls under the category of procedures that can be performed with general supervision. General supervision means that the dentist does not need to be physically present when the procedures are carried out; however, they must have authorized the procedures and be responsible for the oversight of the practice.

This level of supervision is critical because it allows nurses to provide fluoride treatments without the constant presence of a dentist, thus increasing access to preventive care services while still ensuring that there is a supervising dentist who has established the protocols for the treatment. This aligns with dental hygiene laws in Florida, ensuring that nurses operate within a framework that maintains patient safety and care quality.

Direct supervision would require the dentist to be present and actively involved during the procedure, which is not necessary for fluoride application under general supervision. Indirect supervision involves a situation where the dentist has provided oral or written instructions prior to the procedure, which may not fit the regulatory framework for fluoride application. No supervision would imply that nurses could independently perform the procedure without any oversight, which is not aligned with Florida's dental practice regulations.