What type of supervision requires a licensed dentist to be physically present in the room?

The correct answer is personal supervision, which requires that a licensed dentist be physically present in the treatment room while dental hygiene procedures are being performed. This level of supervision ensures that the dentist can directly oversee the work being done and provide immediate guidance or intervention if necessary.

Personal supervision is crucial in situations where the complexity or potential risks of a procedure require the dentist to be available at all times. This level of oversight enhances patient safety and treatment quality, as it allows for direct communication and real-time assessment of the procedure.

In contrast, indirect supervision allows a dental hygienist to perform specific procedures without the dentist being in the same room, as long as the dentist has authorized the procedure and is available for consultation. General supervision permits dental hygienists to work without direct oversight; the dentist does not need to be present in the office, but must have authorized the procedures in advance. Remote supervision implies the dentist may be overseeing care from a distance, often through technology, but does not necessitate their physical presence in the room.