---
title: "What Is General supervision? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "A level of supervision in which the dentist authorizes the work in advance but does not need to be present while it happens."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/general-supervision
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Team and HR

# General supervision

A level of supervision in which the dentist authorizes the work in advance but does not need to be present while it happens.

General supervision is one level of dentist oversight. A state chart from the American Dental Hygienists' Association describes it this way: the dentist needs to authorize prior to services, but need not be present. Rules differ by state.

It is one of several levels, which also include direct and indirect supervision. Dental therapists, for example, work under general supervision of a dentist with a written collaborative agreement in the states that allow the role.

General supervision is part of [dental hygiene supervision](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygiene-supervision) and wider [scope of practice](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/scope-of-practice) rules. Check the dental practice act for the exact meaning in a given state. This entry is a general definition.

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

## Related terms

-   [Dental hygiene supervision](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygiene-supervision)
-   [Scope of practice](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/scope-of-practice)
-   [Dental therapist](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-therapist)
-   [Delegation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/delegation)

## Sources

1.  [ADHA, Dental Hygiene Practice Act Overview: Permitted Functions and Supervision Levels by State](https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ADHA_Practice_Act_Overview_8-2022.pdf)
2.  [PMC, Dental Therapists: A Solution to a Shortage of Dentists in Underserved Communities?](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5415248/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

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