---
title: "What Is Dental hygiene supervision? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "The level of dentist oversight a state requires for hygienists, which can range from direct supervision to general supervision or none."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygiene-supervision
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Team and HR

# Dental hygiene supervision

The level of dentist oversight a state requires for hygienists, which can range from direct supervision to general supervision or none.

Dental hygiene supervision is the oversight a dentist must give when a hygienist provides care. Levels differ by state. The American Dental Hygienists' Association notes that permitted functions and supervision vary by state.

In Missouri the dental practice act says a hygienist shall only practice under the supervision of a dentist who is registered and licensed in Missouri, except as the law provides. The statute allows a limited exception for some public health settings. Other states use terms such as direct, indirect or [general supervision](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/general-supervision).

The topic belongs to wider [scope of practice](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/scope-of-practice) law. Employers should read the current statute and board rules. This entry is a general definition and not legal advice.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [General supervision](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/general-supervision)
-   [Scope of practice](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/scope-of-practice)
-   [Dental hygienist](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygienist)
-   [Missouri Dental Board](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/missouri-dental-board)

## Sources

1.  [Missouri Revisor of Statutes, Section 332.311 RSMo](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/PageSelect.aspx?section=332.311&bid=17691)
2.  [ADHA, Scope of Practice](https://www.adha.org/advocacy/scope-of-practice/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)