When taking impressions for passive appliances, what level of supervision is needed?

When taking impressions for passive appliances in Florida, indirect supervision is required. Under indirect supervision, a licensed dentist must be present in the facility but does not need to be physically present in the room while the dental hygienist performs the task. This allows the hygienist to carry out the procedure independently while having the dentist available for consultation or to oversee the treatment indirectly.

This level of supervision is suitable for specific tasks like taking impressions, which do not require the dentist to be directly involved during the procedure but still ensures that a licensed professional is available if needed. Understanding the distinction of supervision levels is crucial for hygienists to ensure compliance with state regulations and to operate effectively within their scope of practice.