What documentation is required for a dental hygienist to perform procedures under general supervision?

The requirement for a dental hygienist to perform procedures under general supervision is clearly defined by regulatory standards to ensure patient safety and professional accountability. Written authorization is essential as it provides a clear, formal record of consent that outlines the specific procedures the dental hygienist is permitted to perform without the direct, on-site presence of a dentist. This documentation protects both the hygienist and the practice by establishing a legally binding reference that can be consulted if questions arise about the scope of practice or consent.

Verbal authorizations, while potentially acceptable in other contexts, lack the permanence and verifiability that written documents provide. Email and text message authorizations, although they might offer some degree of immediacy and can be recorded, do not carry the same level of formality or regulatory respect as a written consent document. Therefore, written authorization stands as the appropriate and necessary documentation for dental hygienists working under general supervision, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards in dental practice.