Which activity can an RDH perform under general supervision?

The activity that a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) can perform under general supervision is the therapeutic control of caries and periodontal disease. Under California dental law, general supervision allows an RDH to perform specific procedures without the presence of a supervising dentist, as long as the procedures are pre-authorized by a dentist and the patient has been examined by the dentist within a certain time frame.

Therapeutic control of caries and periodontal disease typically includes procedures such as scaling and root planing, application of fluoride varnishes, and other preventive measures that do not require direct supervision. These procedures contribute to the overall oral health of the patient and fall within the scope of practice for dental hygienists, reflecting their training and expertise in preventive dental care.

In contrast, placing dental implants and performing root canals are both invasive surgical procedures that require direct participation of a licensed dentist due to their complexity and potential risks involved. Making oral surgery referrals also necessitates a dentist's evaluation and is not something an RDH can do independently under general supervision. Thus, the therapeutic control of caries and periodontal disease is the appropriate choice for activities an RDH can undertake in a general supervision scenario.