National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What type of supervision is indicated when an exam is performed at a 6-month recall?

1. Direct supervision

2. General supervision

3. Minimal supervision

4. Remote supervision

The correct answer is: General supervision

When an exam is performed at a 6-month recall, general supervision is indicated. Under general supervision, a dental hygienist or dental assistant performs procedures as delegated by a dentist, but the dentist does not need to be physically present during the procedure. This is typical during routine recall visits because the patient has already been evaluated in the past, allowing the dental hygienist to perform assessments and cleanings independently. In such a context, the hygienist is responsible for conducting the examination and providing care while following established protocols and guidelines set by the supervising dentist. This allows for efficiency in routine patient care, as the hygienist can manage follow-up appointments without needing the dentist's direct oversight each time. Other types of supervision involve more direct oversight from the dentist. For instance, direct supervision requires the dentist to be present in the office when procedures are performed, which is not typically necessary at recall appointments. Minimal supervision and remote supervision are not standard terminologies used in dental hygiene practice and do not apply comprehensively to recall exams. Overall, general supervision captures the essence of routine dental hygiene practices during recall visits effectively.