Under general supervision, what is not required of the dentist during a procedure?

In the context of dental hygiene practice under general supervision, it is essential to understand the role of the dentist and the requirements that come with it. When general supervision is in effect, the dentist is not obliged to be physically present in the facility during the procedure. This means that a dental hygienist can perform specific tasks as delegated by the dentist without the dentist needing to supervise in real-time.

However, the dentist's responsibilities still include prescribing the treatment beforehand, ensuring that the procedures align with the patient’s needs and the practice’s protocols. Additionally, the dentist must sign off on the treatment plan and communicate with the patient regarding their care. This delineation of responsibilities highlights the autonomy of dental hygienists under general supervision while still ensuring that they work within the framework established by the dentist.