What level of supervision is required for a dental assistant performing intraoral suctioning?

The correct supervision level required for a dental assistant performing intraoral suctioning is general supervision. Under general supervision, a dental assistant can carry out certain specified tasks as long as a licensed dentist is not physically present in the treatment facility, but has authorized the dental assistant to perform those duties. This reflects the practice standards that allow trained dental assistants to manage specific functions, such as suctioning, once the dentist has assessed the patient's needs and given their consent.

This supervisory level is essential as it grants dental assistants the autonomy to support dental procedures effectively while ensuring they are still working within the parameters established by the overseeing dentist. General supervision allows for efficiency in the dental practice, enabling the dentist to focus on more critical tasks while the assistant performs supportive roles.

Other types of supervision, such as direct supervision, would require the dentist to be physically present during the entire procedure, which is not necessary for routine tasks like suctioning, given that the assistant is trained and competent to perform this function independently under general supervision. Indirect supervision involves the dentist being available for consultation but not necessarily physically present, while observational supervision does not typically apply to the performance of clinical tasks.