Expanded duty dental assistants may work under which supervision model?

• A. Direct on-premises supervision of the employing dentist
• B. Indirect supervision by a licensed dentist at a distant site
• C. Supervision by a non-dentist
• D. No supervision allowed

Answer: (A)

Expanded duty dental assistants must operate under direct on-premises supervision. The dentist who employs the assistant must be physically present in the same location to supervise and authorize the expanded duties, providing immediate guidance and intervention if needed. This close oversight protects patient safety and ensures the procedures stay within permitted scope. Indirect supervision at a distant site cannot meet the requirements for expanded duties, and supervision by a non-dentist or no supervision at all would not satisfy the regulatory standards. Therefore, the supervising dentist being on the premises is the required model.