Under General Supervision, what assessment can an RDA perform?

Under General Supervision, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is permitted to perform specific assessments that fall within their scope of practice. One such task includes a mouth mirror inspection and charting of lesions. This activity allows the RDA to use a mouth mirror to visually examine the oral cavity for any abnormalities or lesions and to document their findings appropriately.

The role of an RDA includes supporting the dentist by collecting and recording important information that can inform treatment decisions. The mouth mirror inspection is a valuable procedure that contributes to patient care by identifying potential issues that might need further evaluation by the dentist.

Understanding the boundaries of what tasks can be performed under General Supervision is crucial for dental professionals. The key distinction lies in the amount of direct oversight required: General Supervision allows for certain tasks to be completed without the dentist being physically present, provided that those tasks have been prescribed by the dentist. In this case, assessing the oral cavity through an inspection and documenting findings aligns with the RDA's responsibilities and the legal scope of practice.

In contrast, tasks such as performing extractions, administering anesthesia, or interpreting radiographs require the presence or direct instruction of a dentist and fall outside the permissible functions of an RDA under General Supervision. These activities have a