Final answer:
A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) may perform periodontal soft tissue curettage under direct supervision, which requires a dentist to be present in the office and to have authorized the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is authorized to perform certain dental procedures under direct or general supervision, depending on the rules set by the dental board of the specific state in which they practice. Generally, periodontal soft tissue curettage is an advanced procedure that involves the removal of infected soft tissue.
While specific regulations can vary, in many regions, an RDH can perform this procedure under direct supervision of a dentist. Under direct supervision, a dentist must be present in the office and be ready to diagnose, authorize the procedure, and provide oversight.
However, the dentist takes full responsibility for the actions of the RDH. In contrast, general supervision allows a hygienist to perform certain treatments without the dentist being physically present, as long as the dentist has authorized the treatment plan in advance.