What type of supervision is required for dental hygienists working in public schools?

In the context of dental hygienists working in public schools, general supervision is the correct answer. This level of supervision allows dental hygienists to provide care without the dentist's on-site presence, meaning they can perform dental hygiene services based on a written agreement or protocol established with a dentist. The dentist is responsible for the overall supervision and must provide a plan for care, but it does not require the dentist to be physically present in the facility while the hygienist is working.

This kind of arrangement is particularly suitable in public school settings, where dental hygienists often engage in preventive care and educational programs aimed at promoting oral health among children. Recognizing the importance of educational outreach and preventive services, general supervision facilitates access to necessary care without needing constant direct oversight, aligning with the role of hygienists in these environments.

In contrast, direct supervision would require a dentist to be physically available to provide oversight, which is not practical in a school setting. Remote supervision typically refers to a newer model where supervision is provided through technology without in-person interaction, while no supervision would suggest that hygienists could operate entirely independently, which is not consistent with regulatory requirements in the state.