Dry endodontically treated canals using paper points — who determines the supervision?

• A. RDA Dentist determines the supervision
• B. RDH determines the supervision
• C. DDS determines supervision
• D. Hygienist determines supervision

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is who holds the authority to set how supervision works for delegated dental tasks. In dental practice, the supervising dentist is responsible for deciding the level of supervision and what procedures a trained auxiliary may perform. When a task like drying an endodontically treated canal with paper points is delegated to an assistant, the dentist assesses the case, confirms the assistant’s competence, and specifies whether direct or general supervision is required. The assistant then carries out the step under that direction. This arrangement protects patient safety and ensures compliance with licensure rules. So, the person who determines how supervision applies to this scenario is the supervising dentist (the DDS) working with the RDA/Hygienist under that direction.