In indirect supervision, what is required of the dentist?

In the context of indirect supervision, the dentist is not required to be physically present in the office or to check the work performed by dental assistants before the patients are dismissed. This allows for more flexibility and efficiency within a dental practice, as it enables trained dental assistants to perform certain tasks autonomously, trusting that they have been adequately trained and that the dentist has established protocols for the procedures being performed.

The critical aspect of indirect supervision is that while the dentist may oversee the work done by the assistants, they do not need to personally verify or approve each action taken before a patient leaves the office. This streamlines operations, enabling dental personnel to effectively execute routine tasks without the constant oversight of the dentist.

While other elements like written documentation and approval of work might have their importance in different contexts or supervision levels, under indirect supervision specifically, the absence of the requirement for the dentist to check work before dismissal is what distinguishes it.