Treatment prescribed by a licensed dentist must be entered in writing in the patient record under which type of supervision?

Treatment prescribed by a licensed dentist must be entered in writing in the patient record under general supervision. Under this type of supervision, a dentist may authorize a dental hygienist to perform certain procedures without the dentist being present in the office during the patient treatment. However, the prescriptive treatment must still be documented in the patient record to ensure continuity of care, legal compliance, and appropriate communication regarding the patient's treatment plan.

This documentation serves as a protective measure for both the patient and the dental team, providing a clear understanding of what procedures are authorized and ensuring that all actions taken during the treatment align with the dentist’s overall assessment and plan.