LAC 46:XXXIII.108. Levels and Definitions of Supervision

A. Licensed dentists who employ dental assistants, expanded duty dental assistants, and dental hygienists shall be responsible for the supervision of those employees' authorized duties. Authorized duties of dental assistants, expanded duty dental assistants, and dental hygienists may also be under the supervision of a licensed dentist who assumes responsibility for the treatment of that patient. 1. Direct Supervision. A licensed dentist personally diagnoses the condition to be treated; personally authorizes the procedures; is in the dental office or treatment facility during the performance of the authorized procedures; and, before dismissal of the patient, evaluates the performance of the dental assistant, expanded duty dental assistant, or dental hygienist. 2. General Supervision. The licensed dentist has authorized the procedures, which are being carried out by the dental hygienist in accordance with the dentist's treatment plan; however, the dentist is not required to be present in the dental office or treatment facility during the performance of the supervised procedures.