When making impressions for opposing models, what direction of supervision is required?

The requirement for indirect supervision when making impressions for opposing models is based on the scope of practice defined for dental hygienists in Florida. Indirect supervision allows the dental hygienist to perform certain procedures, such as taking impressions, without the dentist being physically present in the treatment area at that precise moment. Instead, the dentist must have authorized the procedure and must be available for consultation or to address any complications that could arise.

This type of supervision reflects an understanding that dental hygienists are trained professionals capable of executing specific tasks independently, as long as a dentist has provided prior approval and is available for guidance. In this context, indirect supervision encourages efficiency in the workflow while maintaining the necessary oversight to ensure patient safety and care quality.

Other options like direct supervision would require the dentist to be physically present during the procedure, which is not the case here. No supervision would mean that a hygienist could perform the task entirely independently and without any prior authorization, which is not consistent with the structured supervision framework established for dental practices. Group supervision, implying a collective oversight model, does not fit within the standard practices typically discussed in dental health regulation either. Thus, indirect supervision is the appropriate answer, aligning with Florida's dental hygiene laws regarding impression-making for opposing models.