Which type of restorations can dental hygienists polish under general supervision?

Dental hygienists are permitted to polish amalgam restorations under general supervision due to the specific guidelines established by state regulations. Amalgam restorations, made from a mixture of metals, have properties that allow for effective polishing by dental hygienists, helping to smooth the surface and enhance both aesthetics and plaque prevention.

Polishing composite, gold, and porcelain restorations involves more nuanced approaches and sometimes requires advanced skills or a dentist's supervision due to the risk of damaging the material. For instance, composites can be affected by the polishing technique or materials used, which could lead to surface wear or compromised aesthetics. Gold restorations necessitate different polishing techniques to avoid degradation of the metal's properties, and porcelain restorations are particularly susceptible to cracks or loss of integrity if not polished with specific materials or techniques. Therefore, amalgam remains the only type of restoration that dental hygienists can polish independently under the guidelines of general supervision.