Under what supervision level can services be rendered without the patient first being examined by a licensed dentist?

Public health supervision allows dental hygienists to provide services without the prior examination of a licensed dentist. This type of supervision is typically applicable in specific public health programs and settings where preventative dental care is emphasized, and it is aimed at reaching populations that may not have regular access to dental care.

Under public health supervision, hygiene services can be provided directly to patients, focusing on education, preventive care, and basic hygiene tasks. This model is particularly important for addressing health disparities and improving oral health in underserved communities.

The level of supervision does not require a dentist to be involved in every patient case, which is essential for providing timely and accessible care. This is in contrast to direct supervision and general supervision, where a dentist must be present or involved in some way for treatment procedures to take place. Independent practice, while it enables dental hygienists to operate without direct dentist oversight, is structured differently and may still include certain limitations depending on state regulations.