Periodontal laser therapy can be provided by a hygienist under which supervision?

• A. No supervision
• B. Indirect supervision
• C. Direct supervision
• D. General supervision

Answer: (C)

Direct supervision is required because periodontal laser therapy is a procedure with potential tissue injury if misused, so a dentist must be physically present to review the treatment plan, set up the laser appropriately, and immediately address any complications. In Louisiana, the supervising dentist must be in the same facility and available to oversee the work as it is performed and to evaluate the outcome before the patient leaves. This level of oversight ensures proper patient selection, device settings, and post-treatment instructions, which a hygienist cannot provide working independently. Indirect supervision or general supervision would not meet the safety and accountability needs for a laser procedure, and no supervision would be inappropriate for a procedure that carries such risk.