The patient or their legal guardians must be informed that no dentist will be present during the appointment under which type of supervision?

The correct answer addresses the nature of general supervision in dental hygiene practice. Under general supervision, a dental hygienist can provide services without a dentist being physically present at the time of the treatment. However, it is essential for the patient or their legal guardians to be informed that a dentist will not be present during the appointment. This communication is vital as it ensures that the patient or guardian understands the supervision level and can make informed decisions about their care.

In this context, while the hygienist is capable of performing specific procedures independently, the practice regulations require transparency regarding the dentist's absence. This helps maintain trust in the patient-provider relationship and ensures that patients are aware of their treatment conditions. In contrast, direct supervision mandates that a dentist be present, which negates the need for such disclosure, while indirect supervision involves more collaboration with an on-site dentist. No supervision would imply complete independence from a dentist's oversight, making a different set of informational requirements.