A particular level of oversight in dental practice allows a licensed dentist to authorize certain procedures to be performed by allied dental personnel without requiring the dentist’s physical presence during the procedure. The dentist must have examined the patient and provided instructions for the treatment to be rendered. An example includes a dental hygienist providing routine prophylaxis based on the dentist’s prior examination and treatment plan.
This framework expands access to care, particularly in underserved communities, by leveraging the skills of qualified dental professionals. It also enhances efficiency within the dental practice, allowing the dentist to focus on more complex procedures. This model has evolved over time to address workforce shortages and evolving patient needs while maintaining quality and safety standards.
