Which level of supervision requires that the dentist actively participates in the treatment process?

Direct supervision is the level of supervision where the dentist must be physically present in the treatment facility and actively involved in the patient's care during the procedures being performed by the dental hygienist or dental personnel. This level of supervision ensures that the dentist can provide immediate assistance and guidance, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatments.

In this scenario, the dentist not only oversees the work being done but is also directly engaged in the treatment process. This is essential for procedures that may have a higher risk or require specific judgment calls that can directly affect patient outcomes.

In contrast, general supervision allows the hygienist to perform certain tasks without the dentist being present, while independent and indirect supervision imply varying degrees of autonomy for the hygienist, with less direct involvement from the dentist. Therefore, the requirement for active participation in treatment clearly aligns with the definition and expectations of direct supervision.