A dentist cannot delegate which of the following to a dental hygienist?

• A. Final placement of appliances
• B. Administration of general anesthesia
• C. Comprehensive examination
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Delegation is limited by scope and supervision, with the dentist retaining responsibility for procedures that require final professional judgment. The final placement of appliances must be completed by the dentist because it involves confirming fit, occlusion, and the overall treatment outcome; a hygienist can prepare or assist, but cannot perform the final seating. Administering general anesthesia is a controlled act that requires specialized training, licensure, and continuous monitoring, so it cannot be delegated to a dental hygienist under normal supervision. Conducting a comprehensive examination entails diagnosing conditions and formulating a treatment plan, duties that rest with the dentist rather than the hygienist. Because none of these tasks can be delegated, the correct understanding is that all of the above are not within the hygienist’s delegated duties.