What level of supervision is necessary for a dental assistant using a curing light?

In the context of Iowa regulations, dental assistants are permitted to perform certain tasks under specific types of supervision. For using a curing light, general supervision is required, which means that the dentist must be present in the office but does not need to be physically present in the treatment area when the dental assistant uses the curing light. This level of supervision allows dental assistants to perform this task independently while still ensuring that a licensed dentist is responsible for the overall patient care and treatment plan.

This distinction is important as it enables dental assistants to function effectively within their roles while adhering to regulations that ensure patient safety and professional accountability. The other forms of supervision, such as direct or indirect, impose stricter requirements on the presence of a dentist than what is necessary for the use of a curing light, which is why general supervision is the appropriate choice here.