What supervision is required for expanded duty dental assistants?

• A. Direct on-premises supervision of employing dentist
• B. General supervision by supervisor miles away
• C. Indirect supervision
• D. No supervision

Answer: (A)

Expanded duty dental assistants perform procedures beyond standard chairside assisting, so they operate under the supervision of a dentist who is physically present in the office. In Louisiana, the supervising dentist must be directly on the premises, able to supervise and intervene as needed during the performance of those duties. This direct, on-site oversight helps ensure patient safety and proper technique for expanded duties.

General supervision with the dentist miles away or indirect supervision means the dentist is not immediately available, which is not allowed for EDDA tasks. No supervision would be illegal, since a licensed dentist must oversee expanded duties.