Which of the following tasks can dental hygienists perform under indirect supervision?

Dental hygienists can perform various tasks under indirect supervision, and the correct answer pertains to making impressions for bleaching stents. Under indirect supervision, a dentist is present in the facility or available for consultation but does not need to be directly overseeing the procedure.

Making impressions for bleaching stents falls within the scope of practice for dental hygienists and is a task they can perform independently as long as it is part of a treatment plan developed by a dentist. This ability allows dental hygienists to take impressions when required for patient care, such as creating custom whitening trays, which enhances patient access to care while ensuring that the procedure is still guided by a dentist's professional judgment.

In contrast, some of the other tasks may require different levels of supervision based on the complexity and context. For example, placing and removing retraction cords or inserting dressings in complex cases may necessitate a higher level of oversight due to potential complications. Additionally, applying varnishes typically can fall under supervision conditions that influence how tasks can be delegated.